Janice Karen Longenbach, age 76, of Chuluota, Florida, passed away on October 3, 2021. Janice was born on February 25, 1945 in Ventura, California, the daughter of Henry and Darlene (Long) Nielsen.

From the onset of birth, Jan faced adversity, contracting poliomyelitis at Age 3. Though post-polio syndrome left her with life-long challenges; she continued to be strong, very positive and a loving wife and mother.

She began her career in Federal Civil Service at the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB in 1968 working in the Clerical Typist/Secretary Steno fields. She formally met her husband Russell in January 1970 on a dance floor in Lancaster, CA. On October 31, 1970 they "eloped forever" in Las Vegas, NV, returning to work the following Monday. She worked for numerous organizations at the Flight test Center until 1986 when she followed her husband to Fort Hood, Texas where she worked for the III Corps Directorate of Logistics, Maintenance Division, Quality Control Branch. Then In November of 1992, she followed her husband (again) to Orlando, Florida where she worked for HQ STRICOM, Directorate for Logistics, Logistics Development Division, Instrumentation Section.

In September 1996 she left her federal career for home life and to further pursue her love of animals. She fostered racing Greyhounds to transition them from a life on the track to a home life. In 2016 she was diagnosed with multiple cancers resulting in another battle she valiantly fought for the last five years.

Jan is preceded in death by her Father, Mother and older Brother David Nielsen and is survived by her husband J. Russell Longenbach, son Robert (April) Longenbach, daughter Kristel (Jeff) Ogden, and grandchildren Carissa and Cody Longenbach.

A Memorial Service is planned for November 20, 2021 @ 2:00 P.M. at the Chuluota Community Church, 150 East 4th St, Chuluota, FL 32766.
Following the service you are invited to the Rock & Brews, 131 Red Bug Lake, Oviedo, FL 32765 to celebrate her life "Jan style" with margaritas and music. The start time will be about 4:00 P.M.

Jan throughout her life had a love for animals especially cats and dogs. In lieu of flowers or memorial gift, Jan requested that donations in her name be made to PET RESCUE by Judy, 401 S. Laurel Ave, Sanford, FL 32771; www.PetRescueByJudy.com

The family of Janice Karen Longenbach invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in her loving memory.