Janet L. Anderson

Obituary

Janet Lenore Anderson was born on April 12, 1962, in Minneapolis, MN. She was the daughter of Samuel and Norma (Nelson) Holmgren. Janet grew up on a farm outside of Atwater, MN. Janet was baptized as an infant at University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis. She was later confirmed in her faith in 1977 from Rosendale United Methodist Church south of Atwater. She attended country school and then graduated from Atwater High School in 1980. During her high school years, she enjoyed being involved in band, choir, National Honor Society, basketball, volleyball, and track. Janet furthered her education at Mankato State University in Mankato, MN and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy. Janet worked as an activities director at the nursing homes in Madelia, MN and later in Hillsboro, WI.

On June 28th, 1986, Janet was united in marriage to Douglas J. Anderson in Atwater, MN at Rosendale United Methodist Church. They shared 37 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with four children, Erika (Matthew) McKeever, Kimberly Anderson, Phillip Anderson, and Clara Anderson. She spent a number of years raising her children and homemaking full-time until eventually returning to work outside the home stocking cards for Hallmark. Most recently she worked several years as a teaching partner at New Discoveries Montessori Academy in Hutchinson.

Janet had a mission to create a caring community while sharing the saving message of Jesus Christ. She was an active member of Oak Heights Covenant Church and was especially involved in the children’s ministry. She taught Sunday School, Children’s Church, and Release Time. Additionally, she enjoyed volunteering in the nursery and also served as the Awana Cubbies director for many years.

Janet loved being around people whether she knew them or not. No one remained a stranger very long in her presence! Janet used her talents in cooking, baking, and gardening as a means to serve those around her. She loved remembering friends, family, and coworkers with phone calls and handwritten cards of encouragement as a means of brightening their day. Janet’s writing endeavors included writing to her penpal Michelle in New Zealand for over 48 years. In November 2019, Janet was able to complete one of her lifelong goals and traveled to meet Michelle in-person in Townsville, Australia. She also happily attended her niece’s wedding in Adelaide, Australia during the same trip.

Janet was an avid walker, and could be found briskly walking the trails in any type of weather. If she wasn’t out walking, she could be found in the cheering section for local sporting and musical events featuring her own kids or her Sunday school kids. Somehow, Janet managed to find time for herself too, usually by sipping a cup of earl grey tea while reading a book. Janet will be remembered for her servant heart, kind spirit, and steadfast devotion to Jesus.

After a brave battle with glioblastoma, Janet passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at her home in Hutchinson, at the age of 61 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Janet is preceded in death by her Father, Samuel Holmgren.

Janet is survived by her:
Husband, Douglas Anderson;
Children, Erika McKeever and her husband, Matthew,
Kimberly Anderson,
Phillip Anderson,
Clara Anderson;
Mother, Norma Holmgren;
Sister, Valerie Muckenhirn and her husband, Tom;
Many other relatives and friends.