Janet Marie Olson

Janet Marie Olson, 91, of Peoria, Illinois went home to heaven on Monday, July 13, 2026.

Janet was born on August 11, 1934, in Sterling, Illinois, to Leslie and Mabel (Meyer) Salzmann. She graduated from Manlius High School with the Class of 1952 and received her nursing certification in 1955 from Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital in Dixon. Janet worked as a registered nurse for many years before retiring from Prairie View Nursing Home in Princeton.

Janet married Willis G. Barber on September 10, 1955. They had four children together. He preceded her in death on May 16, 1965. She later married widower James D. Olson on July 7, 1967, who brought two children to the family. Janet and Jim had one child together. Jim also preceded her in death on January 30, 1982.

Janet enjoyed playing the piano and organ at church, sewing, reading and baking cookies. She often helped on the farm she grew up on, and later when she was married. She loved preparing meals for her large family and other large groups including campers at Camp Adeline. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, often playing board games and card games with them.

She is survived by her seven children: Steven (Jennifer) Barber of Peoria, Joe (Kathy) Olson of Wyanet, Debbie (Sam) Platt of Three Hills, Alberta, Canada, Cindy Pollan of Cedar Creek, Texas, Paul (Connie) Barber of Whiting, New Jersey, Charlie (Linda) Barber of Auburn, Indiana, and Donna (Steve) Iafelice of Peoria; 21 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one sister, Joy (Bob) Hadley of DeKalb; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; three siblings, Ruth Stockton, Marilyn Beach, and LaVern Salzmann; and one son-in-law, Bob Pollan.

Janet will be remembered for her humble character, her infectious laugh, her work ethic and her unwavering faith. The family would like to thank the many caregivers who assisted her in her years at AC Skylines in Peoria.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Bureau Township Community Church in rural Princeton, with the Rev. Steven Barber and Rev. Paul Barber co-officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Manlius Cemetery in Manlius.

Memorials may be directed to the Apostolic Christian Skylines Employee Fund.