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Janet Loreen Eschen, 82, of Portland, Ore., died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland.
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She was born April 15, 1926, to Charles Lee and Gladys (Durkee) Barber in rural Chetek. She attended Gregarson School through eighth grade and then Chetek High School, graduating as valedictorian in 1943.
She attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She taught English (grades 9-10) at Ladysmith High School in Ladysmith from 1947-1952 and seventh and ninth grade English at Wausau Junior High School in Wausau from 1952-1955. During her summers she worked towards her master's degree in English and American literature at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo. She moved to San Anselmo, Calif., in 1955 to attend the San Francisco Theological Seminary (Presbyterian Church USA) where she earned her master's degree in Christian education. While there she worked as director of Christian education for Donaldina Cameron House and as secretary for the Chinese Presbyterian Church. While in seminary she met Herman Benjamin Eschen and they married May 25, 1957, in San Anselmo.
Janet and Herman moved to Portland in 1958, and she assisted him in his ministry at Presbyterian churches there until his death in 1982. She then became a member of Vernon Presbyterian Church, which then merged with Redeemer Lutheran Church. She continued her active involvement in her church (choir, teacher, leadership, committee positions, etc.) as well as worked as a part-time aide in a local elementary school for one year and as assistant director of OASIS (educational center for older adults) for two years until retiring in 1988. She enjoyed music, writing and reading poetry, and spending time with her family. She maintained an active social life right up until her death.
Janet is survived by her sister, Ida M. (Barber) Glasenapp, of Springfield, Ore.; a daughter, Mary Beth (Eschen) Sechrist, of Portland; a son, Stephen John Eschen, of Portland; two grandchildren, Laura Kathleen Sechrist and Rebecca Kate Sechrist; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband.
A service of celebration of her life was held Jan. 17, 2009, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Portland. Her ashes will be scattered with her husband's on Mt. Hood.
The family asks that remembrances be made to the Lutheran Church or to a hunger or peace organization of your choice.
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©The Chetek Alert 2009
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