Obituary

Janet (Jan) Stewart - Husby, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Central Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, followed by a 2:00 p.m. entombment at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Jan was born on May 13, 1936 in Lake City, Iowa to Edward and Zona Stewart. From an early age, dance and visual arts were her greatest passions. In addition to traveling all over the country to study and teach multiple styles of dance, she was also an accomplished painter, sculptor, and photographer. Upon graduating from Drake University, she received a degree in art education, and began teaching both art and dance as her lifelong vocation.

Just as dance helped to build Jan growing up, as an adult she helped to build the dance community throughout central Iowa. She participated in organizations including Dance Masters of America and Ballet Des Moines, choreographed and performed in shows for multiple theatres, and taught classes, most notably at Tanglefoot Cottage.

In addition to dance and theatre, Jan was also active in Central Presbyterian Church; attending services, teaching Sunday school, and helping with other children’s programs including youth groups and the annual Christmas Pageant. It was at Central where, one Sunday an usher named Paul Husby, (who was also working with Jan on the same theatre show at the time) asked her out on their first date. Paul and Jan were married on April 20, 1973, and had a son, Mathew (Ken) a few years later.

Although she shifted much of her focus to family life, Jan continued to teach multiple styles of dance six days a week at Tanglefoot, and served as Artistic Director under Lois Penn. After Lois passed in 2008, Jan continued the Tanglefoot legacy until retiring in 2019 to have more time to care for Paul at home.

After Paul died in 2020, Jan continued to meet with friends, family, and former students who would come back to visit. They would talk about family stories, past travels, shows, and dance technique. In fact, during her final days, Jan was still pointing out posture corrections for her visitors.

Jan is survived by a continent-spanning legacy that includes three generations of Stewarts, five generations of Husbys, and four generations of dancers.

Jan's service will be livestreamed from Central Presbyterian Church just before 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 15, 2025 by going to the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgNAJGZp-9I

Online condolences are welcome at www.ilescares.com

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel.

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