Janice I. Halstead

Lynch — Janice Irene Halstead, 85, of Lynch, died Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Center in Bloomfield.

Visitation was held Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the Lynch Community Hall in Lynch.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 30, 2026 at the community hall in Lynch.

Burial was in the Highland Cemetery in rural Lynch.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of the arrangements.

Janice was born on Feb. 15, 1941, in Verdel, to Cecil and Selena (Dather) McGill.  She was raised on the family farm near Verdel, where she learned the value of hard work, family and a life rooted in simple joys. She attended school there through the eighth grade and later graduated from Lynch High School with the Class of 1959.

Following her graduation, Janice attended business school in Omaha, where she completed an executive secretary course.  

On May 12, 1962, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Larry Halstead, in Verdel. Together, they began their life in Omaha, where Janice worked for Mutual of Omaha.

In the mid-1960s, Janice and Larry returned to Lynch, where they purchased Herb's TV, later renaming it Larry's TV and Appliance. In 1970, they were blessed with their daughter Leona. Side by side, Janice and Larry built not only a successful business, but a life grounded in love, dedication and unwavering partnership. For more than 50 years, they worked together, shared life together and stood by one another until their retirement in 2022.

Janice was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in Lynch and took great pride in being part of her community. Whether through card club, community gatherings, bowling league or serving as a 4-H leader during her daughter's younger years, she found joy in connection and in caring for those around her.

In June of 2023, following the flood and a decline in her health, Janice needed additional care and became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Bloomfield. Janice found happiness in life's quiet, meaningful moments—playing cards, reading, working crossword puzzles, baking, gardening, camping and fishing. She especially cherished time spent with her family and friends, and she never missed a chance to sit down for coffee, share stories and enjoy the company of those she loved.

Janice will be remembered for her quiet strength, her kind heart and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends.  Though her memory may have faded in her later years, the love she shared never did. 

Janice is survived by her daughter Leona Halstead of Missouri Valley, Iowa; her granddaughter Jordayn (Jake Howell) Halstead of Logan, Iowa; and her five great-grandchildren Jazmayn, Delaynie, Alaynah, Jax and Wrigley, who were a special source of pride and joy in her life; she is also lovingly remembered by her three siblings Joyce (Jerry) Hull of Lynch, Judy Tejral of Beatrice and Sam (Linda) McGill of Verdel; her two sisters-in-law Barb McGill of Colorado and Betty McGill of Lincoln; as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband Larry in 2023; her four brothers Gaile (Ruth Ann) McGill, Don McGill, Russell McGill and Keith (Eva) McGill; and her brother-in-law LeRoy Tejral.