Janice Marie Peterson Wesenberg, age 77, died Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014 under hospice care from causes related to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). She passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
Janice was born the daughter of Irma and Lawrence Peterson in 1937 in Crosby, MN. She was a graduate of Crosby High School as well as the St. Scholastica Nursing Program. She subsequently received an MS degree in nursing from the University of Minnesota, and an MS degree in education from Idaho State University. She was an RN, a public health nurse, and a first grade teacher, but most importantly a devoted and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother.
Janice and Darrell Wesenberg were married in 1968 in Minneapolis, MN, and made their home in Idaho shortly after the marriage. She dearly loved the time she spent with her family and friends. She also took pleasure in a good book and a good cup of coffee. Janice was an advocate for students and public schools and a longtime supporter of Idaho Public Television, Idaho Public Radio, Minnesota Public Radio, the Idaho Conservation League, Friends of Wyalusing State Park, St. Scholastica, and the Bellevue (WA) Special Needs PTA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Irma and Lawrence Peterson; mother-in-law Dorothy Wesenberg; father-in-law Elmer Wesenberg; sister, Elena Peterson Magers; brother, Paul Peterson; nephews, Brad Walker and Mark Peterson; and beloved aunts and uncles.
Janice is survived by her husband, Darrell; and children, Jennifer (David) Karls, Redmond, WA; Karen (Jim) Wesenberg-Ward, Butte, MT; and Carole Wesenberg, Blackfoot, ID; and special friend Jeremy Brown, Blackfoot; as well as beloved grandchildren Sarah Karls and Ethan Karls. She is also survived by her sister, Anita Lahti; brother, Steven Peterson; sister-in-law, Carole (David) Janisch; sister-in-law, Barbara (Conrad) Feller; and much loved cousins, nieces, nephews, and many remarkable and cherished friends.
The family would like to thank friends and family members for their many kind words and numerous generous acts of support during our lives together, including during recent months as Janice carried on with life exemplifying Sisu, a Finnish word variously translated as tenacity, perseverance, and determination; a quality borne of her proud Finnish and Norwegian heritage. The family is also grateful to the several medical professionals that treated Janice with courtesy and compassion during her journey. Janice requested cremation and no formal services. The family will hold a private service of remembrance at a later date.
The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Janice to the American Falls District Library at 308 Roosevelt St., American Falls, ID 83211; or the Kabetogama Fire and EMS at 9378 Hwy. 53 P.O. Box 189, Kabetogama, MN 56669; or the Fairview Hospice at 2716 Crescent Drive Suite 1, International Falls, MN 56649; or to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.greenlarsen.com or by mail. Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.
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