Janet "Jan" J. Olson

Janet (Jan) Olson died peacefully Friday September 9th at Eventide Care Center in Devils Lake, North Dakota. She was 87 years old.

Visitation will be held at Gilbertson’s funeral home on Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a celebration of life funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Devils Lake on Friday, September 16 at 10:30 AM.

Janet Joan was born to Frank and Laurena (Knoke) Novacek on November 6, 1934 in Derrick, ND. Jan was the middle of three girls (sisters Marlene and Donna). She began her schooling in Derrick at a rural schoolhouse, then the family relocated to Devils Lake when her father started work with the Sheriff’s department in Ramsey County. There, she finished her schooling at Devils Lake Central High School, as a graduate of 1952. After graduating high school, she married Duane Olson at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Devils Lake on November 12th of that year and began a loving partnership that was filled with adventure and lasted almost 64 years, until Duane’s passing in August of 2016.

The couple began their life together in Fergus Falls, MN where Duane worked for Ottertail. They later moved back to Devils Lake and purchased a farmstead Northeast of Devils Lake, where they would start their family farm. When Jan wasn’t helping with various aspects of farming and bringing meals to the field that made all the neighbors jealous, she was busy raising five children she was very proud of in Kerry, Gregory, Pamela, Becky, and Darcy.

Janet was a proud member of and worked at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church where she served as the secretary and was also active in the quilting group. She volunteered much of her time at various clubs and activities that her family was involved in. Jan loved curling and was also an avid sports fan, mostly for any teams that featured one of her grandkids, but she also regularly watched her Twins and Vikings. Later in life, Janet enjoyed annual road trips with Duane out west to visit various family and friends.

Duane and Jan’s door was always open to guests. Anyone who walked in could expect to find a fresh pot of coffee, a game of cards or dice, and often a fresh meal or batch of baked goods. Jan’s Christmas cookies and meals of sauerkraut and dumplings were especially popular with family and friends. Often at the Olson house you could also find a sick grandchild, many of whom would request to spend the day at grandma’s, rolled up in the “silky blanket” that the grandkids are convinced has supernatural healing powers.

Janet is survived by her son Kerry’s children Miranda (John) Stanley and Derek (Jamie), her daughter-in-law Patricia and step-granddaughter Toby; her son Gregory (Joyce) Olson of Fargo, Danielle, Dustin (Sarah); her daughter Pamela (Peter) Jerome of Devils Lake, their children Amber (James) Leevers, Ashley (Russell) Vanover, and Peter (Danielle) Jerome; her daughter Becky (Brad) Larson of Devils Lake, their children Brady (Brooke), Nathan (Abbie), and Kris; her daughter Darcy (Merlin) Helten of Devils Lake, their children Britt (Elisa), Macie (Keaten) Mikkelsen, and Brennen; many great-grandchildren; her sister Donna Logsdon and several nieces and nephews.

Janet is preceded in death by her husband Duane, son Kerry, parents Frank and Laurena Novacek, her parents-in-law Alfton and Luella Olson, sister Marlene Jacobson, and her brothers-in-law Gordon Jacobson and Keith Logsdon.

Janet was known for having a spunk and love for life that was admired by many. She was a great listener and always seemed to have the right advice for anyone who needed it, especially her beloved grandchildren. Janet’s family was the pride and joy of her life. Her spirit, passion for family and faith, and zest for life will live on through them.