Janice Catherine (Albrecht) Daniel

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Janice Catherine (Albrecht) Daniel, 77, El Dorado Springs, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Dec. 1, 1948, in Pocahontas, IA, the daughter of Arthur and Doris (Madsen) Albrecht. After Arthur’s death from a farming accident, Jan was raised by her mother and stepfather, William Ernst. Jan graduated from Pocahontas Catholic High School and then attended business school in Des Moines, IA.

Jan was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Daniel, on Dec. 30, 1968, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pocahontas, IA, in the middle of a blizzard. Four children were born to this union, Julie Erskin, Jeff Daniel, Jamie Collins and Jennifer Watts. Together they moved from Iowa to Minnesota, to South Dakota, and finally to Missouri for Ken’s work with the phone company. They have lived in Missouri for the past 43 years. Jan’s love for children and passion for teaching brought her to teach preschool at El Dorado Springs Preschool for 34 years, retiring in May of 2021.

Jan enjoyed spending quality time with her family and grandchildren, teaching her littles and walking every chance she got. She was strong in her faith and actively involved in St. Elizabeth Catholic Church.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Ken Daniel; her children, Julie (Dan) Erskin of Spearfish, SD, Jeff (Jennifer) Daniel of Boerne, TX, Jamie (Don) Collins of El Dorado Springs, MO, and Jennifer (Matthew) Watts of El Dorado Springs, MO; 13 grandchildren, Dalton Erskin, Daesha Erskin, Robert Erskin, KenLeigh Daniel, Kaelin Daniel, Kylah Daniel, Donovan Collins, Callista Collins, Braxton Watts, Camden Watts, Raelynn Watts, Trevin Watts and Emberlyn Watts; her sister, Mary (Bill) Gruver; several nieces and nephews; and lots of extended family and friends.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Albrecht, William Ernst and Doris (Madsen) Ernst; grandparents; sister, Kathy (Albrecht) Berns; grandson, Lawson Watts; and many other loved ones.

Visitation was held Friday, June 19, at the Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs. A rosary service will follow visitation. Funeral services were held Saturday, June 20, at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in El Dorado Springs. Burial services followed in El Dorado Springs.

Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or make a memorial donation to the El Dorado Springs Preschool Jan Daniel Scholarship Fund. Contributions made in Jan’s memory will help continue her legacy of kindness, dedication and commitment to early childhood education, providing opportunities for future generations of young learners.