Janice Dickinson

Janice Dickinson ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Iles Jordan Creek Chapel on Mar. 10, 2026.Janice Runion Dickinson, 95 years old, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 6, 2026, in Urbandale, Iowa.Jan was born on July 19, 1930, in Charles City, Iowa to Clarence and Helen Runion. Jan spent most of her life in Iowa, living a brief time in New Jersey when her fatherwas drafted to serve in World War 2. Returning to Iowa, she was a graduate of West Waterloo High School and Drake University before turning her sights on her career.As the force behind Dickinsons' Fine Clothing and Shoe Salon, Jan became a trailblazer for women in business in the Des Moines area. She transformed her husband's auntDoris Dickinson small retail business into the premier clothing store serving women throughout Iowa. Jan led her business with a sharp intellect and impeccable eye forstyle, dressing the women of Des Moines for over 30 years.Jan was active in the Des Moines community as a member of PEO International, Kappa Alpha Theta, and St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. She also enjoyed membership at Des Moines Golf & Country Club and the Okoboji Yacht Club.Jan was a great friend and loving mother. She cherished time spent with friends and family, especially playing bridge and mahjong, where her competitive spirit and sense of fun was always on display. In her 40s, she learned to ski and took her family on many ski trips to the slopes of Keystone and Vail in Colorado. Later in life, she and her husband, Peter enjoyed hosting their grandchildren at Lake Okoboji, teaching them to swim, fish, and boat as they enjoyed time at the lake. Many a summer night ended with a slow boat ride aboard the family Chris Craft to Arnold's Park for a nutty bar treat.Jan was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Peter Pratt Dickinson; her son Tom Dickinson; her son-in-law Feisal Sayeed; her parents Clarence and Helen Runion; her sister Diane MacNaughton; and her brother-in-law Bill McNaughton.She is survived by three of her children: Bob (Barbara), Priscilla (Steve Kersten), and Jim (Laura); eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.Jan will be remembered for her entrepreneurial spirit, strength, loyalty to friends, and deep love she had for her family. She will be greatly missed.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PEO International or St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. A service of remembrance and celebration will be held on Saturday, May 9th 1:00 pm at St Timothy's Episcopal Church at 1020 24th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.