Service Information
Janet L. Anderson, wife of Douglas, age 61, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at her home in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, 11:00 A.M., at Oak Heights Covenant Church in Hutchinson, with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 1, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 P.M., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Funeral Service will be livestreamed via https://www.facebook.com/OHCCHutch or https://www.youtube.com/@oakheights/streams
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.
Dawn and Steve Schwalbe says
Oh, I am so sorry for your loss. We have such good memories of Janet.
She was such a loving and caring woman.
When I was going through my cancer she volunteered to drive be to Buffalo twice a week. God sent her like an angel to protect me. She was a great listener as well.. she will be missed.
Margaret Shimpa says
Janet always welcomed the students and the staff at NDMA with a smile. Now the Angels are welcoming her with their heavenly smiles.
Prayers to all her friends and family as you navigate through these difficult days.
May Janet rest in peace.
Margaret Shimpa
Gregg Zender says
I am so sorry for your lost. I will be praying for you and your family
Gregg
Rebecca Barbo says
Im so sorry!! Janet was a dear friend through college and long after. She was always encouraging and fun to be with. She had a strong faith in Jesus. She will be missed.
Ann Olson says
Janet was a beautiful soul! Beautiful inside & out and one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known! My sympathies & prayers to her entire family & all her friends. May God Bless you all!
Sarah Wolbert says
So sorry to hear about Janet! She was such a sweet gal when I knew her in college—- very encouraging and selfless. She always made me feel special and was a blessing to everyone who knew her. I look forward to seeing her again. Sending hugs to her family.
Leigh Miller says
We are so sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy. May you find love and peace in the many happy memories you all shared together as a family. We are unable to make it to the funeral as we are out of the country. May you be surrounded and comforted by lots of friends and family during this difficult time. Leigh and Mark Miller
Riana Klaustermeier says
Oh Doug, I am so very sorry. This is heartbreaking news. I know how much Janet loved Jesus, she lived it every day. We will have you all in our prayers.
Please stop by and visit, anytime.
Lots of love,
Riana Klaustermeier and family
Renae Larson says
I am so sorry to read this. Losing a beautiful daughter must be so sad for you and the rest of your family. May you find peace and comfort with wonderful memories.
Thomas Naber says
I am so sorry for your loss and I am saddened by her passing. I had the privilege of attending Atwater High School with Janet and we were good friends. In fact, we even went to our senior prom together. She was one of the kindest and down-to-earth person I have ever met. Her laugh was infectious and spirited. She will be missed greatly.