Janet L. Mesenbrink

Funeral services for Janet Mesenbrink will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church - Fairfield Township in rural Holloway, Minnesota, with Reverend Donald Klatt officiating. A visitation will be at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 4 to 6:00 p.m., and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Saturday.

Janet Lynn Olen was born on October 6, 1950, in Morris, Minnesota, to Herbert and Darlene (Elgin) Olen.  She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Morris.  Janet received her education and graduated with the Morris High School, class of 1968.  Following high school, Janet continued her education at Alexandria Technical College, earning a secretarial degree.  On June 14, 1969, Janet was united in marriage to John Mesenbrink at the Zion Lutheran Church in Morris.  The couple moved to Las Vegas, where John was stationed in the Air Force, and Janet worked at a bank.  While in Nevada, their first daughter, Stephanie, was born.  In the Fall of 1972, they made the move to Fairfield Township in Swift County, Minnesota, where they began farming and added to their family, two daughters: Heather and Nicole, and a son, Matthew.  Janet spent her days raising her children, helping on the farm, making and delivering many, many meals to the fields, and raising chickens.  Once the kids were all in school, at the age of 40, Janet returned to school at Granite Falls College earning her Office Manager degree.  In 1991, she started her vocation at the Stevens County Human Services until her retirement in 2013. 

Janet was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church – Fairfield Township, the American Legion and VFW, as well as being heavily involved with the Salvation Army, volunteering in many areas – including Toys for Tots, filling backpacks for school children, and ‘adopting a family’ during the holiday season.  Janet loved to be outside, sitting in the sun, mowing the lawn and gardening – both vegetables (which she would also can!) flowers, and growing sweet corn – freezing it every year.   She was a fantastic cook and baker – especially her chocolate chip cookies, potato salad, and her pancakes with the crispy edges.  Janet would spend countless time reading cookbooks and watching cooking shows and then would spend hours trying out the new recipes – probably all while listening to Elvis – her favorite artist!   Most importantly, Janet cherished her family and the time she was able to spend with them.

Janet died on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the Appleton Area Hospital in Appleton, Minnesota, she was 73 years old.

Janet is survived by her husband, John Mesenbrink of Holloway; daughters: Stephanie (Jayson) Sherod of Benson, Heather (Jon) Panitzke of Waynesville, NC, and Nicole Merdan of St. Joseph; son, Matthew (Kristi) Mesenbrink of Watkins; eight grandchildren: Jacob Mesenbrink, Joshua Sherod, Jed Sherod, Logan Merdan, McKenzie Merdan, Gavin Mesenbrink, Teyton Mesenbrink, and Ryker Mesenbrink; two great-grandchildren: Jase and Evelyn Mesenbrink; sister, Jean (Lee) Bergen of Waukee, IA; brother, Jon (Michelle) Olen of North Branch; brother-in-law, David (Lynn) Mesenbrink of WY; sister-in-law, Patty Mesenbrink of Brooklyn Center; and many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Bill Mesenbrink; and sister-in-law, Beverly Barta. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Salvation Army.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of arrangements for Janet.