After three and a half years of editing The Daily Freeman-Journal, Jane Curtis has retired.

Curtis began her journalism career in 1977, when she was first hired by the Daily Freeman Journal prior to attending Iowa State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.

Over the years, she has worked for several newspapers, and had wrapped up her career at The Messenger as its editor, when she responded to a plea to return to the Daily Freeman Journal for an interim period to fill in while hiring a new editor.

As the three-year mark passed, Curtis started talking more about the need to retire. On Dec. 23, Curtis edited her last column, and designed her last pages for the Daily Freeman-Journal.

Curtis, who wanted to just leave her role quietly, has amassed a vast network of friends, co-workers and community and business leaders who have admired her dedication to Webster City and journalistic skills.

She will be missed, but she won’t be leaving the community. Curtis has published several books, and plans to work on projects she has delayed, enjoy her retirement and do the things she has been missing.

At least for a while.