Janet Lynn (Gustafson) Tinker was born on March 1, 1952, to Bert and Joyce (Miller) Gustafson. From her earliest days, faith was woven into her life. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cherokee, Iowa, beginning a lifelong relationship with Christ that would guide, comfort, and sustain her.
After graduating from Aurelia High School in 1970, Janet enrolled at Buena Vista University before transferring to Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
On November 2, 1974, Janet married Jim Tinker, at their beloved Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cherokee, Iowa. Together they established a lifelong commitment and devotion to each other for over 51 years. Together they raised two sons, William Richard and Matthew Michael. Janet’s love for her family only grew as she welcomed daughters in law, Caroline and Emily, and cherished her grandchildren—Alida, Kerstin, and Charlotte—who brought her endless joy.
Since moving to Audubon in 1977, when Jim started his law practice, Janet was a devoted mother and member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Her faith shaped her daily life, and she found deep meaning in the friendships, worship, and service she shared with her church family.
Janet’s nursing career, which began in 1973, was an extension of her generous heart. Her commitment to caring for others led her to further specialize through the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse Education Program, earning her CWOCN certification. Over her career, she served in many hospitals and clinics, including Nebraska Methodist Hospital, University of Nebraska Hospital, University of Iowa Hospital, Audubon County Memorial Hospital, Kidney Care of Des Moines, and Cass County Memorial Hospital. She also served twice as Director of Nursing at the Friendship Home in Audubon.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Joyce Gustafson; her brother, Mark Gustafson; her parents in law, Richard and Madonna Tinker; and her sister in law, Cindy Tinker.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jim; her son Will (Caroline) and their daughters Alida and Kerstin; her son Matt (Emily) and granddaughter Charlotte; her brother Grant Gustafson (Joan); her sister Ann Stubbendeck (Dave); her sister in law Renee Larson and brother in law Joe Tinker; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Public visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 04, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 05, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, with Rev. Sean Dougherty officiating. A luncheon will be held following the service. Interment will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon.
