The most valued and treasured responsibilities I have held through life are being a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. I am blessed to be married to a God-fearing, supportive, and delightfully kind man, Doug Bloch. Additionally, it has been an honor being the mother to my 2 children, and my son-in-law. Together, we enjoy a wide circle of family and friends who have brought great joy to our lives and for whom we are most grateful. We strive to honor God by enjoying music, entertaining, dancing, traveling (especially to visit grandchildren), gardening, cooking, and teaching friends to play bridge. Jan and Doug live in Springfield, Missouri.

My birth family gave me a spiritual heritage of love for God, family, and creation. In addition, they reinforced the importance of compassion, integrity, persistence, and hard work. We attended the Lutheran Church, where I was baptized and confirmed. I cannot remember a time when I did not love the Lord. However, through the years, I have grown and discovered a deeper understanding of how the Lord’s love for me impacts my life. My family life is blessed with joyful times and happy memories. There have, however, been many challenges. Through each trial, it is apparent that the Lord was in the details as he provided sustenance, comfort, and strength. As God promises, I believe he has used our misfortunes and tribulations to strengthen our faith and to further His kingdom.

Professionally, I received a bachelor of fine arts degree in Vocational Education with an emphasis in family living and child development from Missouri State University (MSU). I earned a master’s degree from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, and later a specialist degree from MSU, both in educational administration. My career began in public education as a Family and Consumer Science teacher. Later, I was allowed to serve as an administrator in programs with children from kindergarten to 12th grade. My vocation involved working closely with students, parents and faculty, businesses, and the community.

Upon retirement in 2005, besides spending time with my family, three areas have filled my life and time. First, I taught at the Ozark Technical Community College’s Middle College, which serves high school students whose life circumstances make its flexible, non-traditional environment more suitable to their needs. Second, in 2005, I worked with a dear friend in Christ and a professional colleague, to organize and implement a Bible Study for working women called “God’s Lunch Bunch.” This group met weekly, served lunch during the noon hour, and before the restrictions of the Covid pandemic, had a regular attendance of approximately 50 each week. This group still exists today, fifteen-plus years later. Third, my husband Doug and I perform as vocalists and instrumentalists in a family-friendly, fun-filled, acoustic gospel music band called The Bridgetones. The Bridgetones play at various venues including, community fairs and festivals, special-occasion parties, church socials, retirement communities, and assisted living homes. In the future, I will continue to strive to serve my God each day and eagerly await the joys and challenges that He has in store. When I meet my Lord at heaven’s gates, I pray He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”