Laguna Beach, CA 92651 - A Life Well Lived.

Jan Herkelrath 1933-2025

Janet Cain Herkelrath was born in Des Moines Iowa and moved to Altadena as a young girl. Her father, a talented mason and craftsman, and her mother a successful entrepreneur, built a house in Eaton Canyon that still stands today. As a Californian Jan spent her youth in Pasadena and Laguna Beach, often skipping classes at Pasadena CC to join friends at the beach.

Jan married her husband Blaine in 1951 and moved to Dana Point where they bought 10 lots of land and together built 10 homes. They soon sold and relocated to their dream home in Three Arch Bay where they raised their 3 children for over 10 years. The family moved to the Oregon Coast for 5 years and returned to Laguna in the 70's.

Jan thrived living by the ocean, creating a community and fully embracing 1950's life in Three Arch Bay and in Laguna Beach overall. Jan started a career in Orange County first as a secretary at San Clemente HS and ultimately grew to be a respected Real Estate Broker.

Jan was an active member of LBOR, OCAR, Rotary International and was a Sawdust exhibitor in the 70's. She was a lifelong learner and taught sewing, typing and shorthand classes for Saddleback College. As an active lap swimmer, Jan swam a mile a day for over 40 years. She cared about making the world a better place through her participation in Laguna Beach Rotary. She supported many community events that were both philanthropic and fun. You can honor Jan by contributing to Rotary International.

Jan passed peacefully with family on August 2nd, 2025 and is survived by her daughters; Regan Cohen, Devon Harger, Dana Herkelrath (Felipe Golez) and grandchildren; Joaquin Golez, Ben, Isabelle and Lillian Harger.

Friends and Family are welcome to join a Celebration of Jan's Life on October 11th at 12 noon. Mozambique Restaurant, Laguna Beach.