May 10, 2023 at 3:14 p.m.
Janetta J. Wenzel
Janetta Joyce Stimson was born to Everett and Gladys (Olson) Stimson Jan. 24, 1943, in Staples. She was one of four children born into the family that would eventually relocate to Sauk Centre, where Janetta would finish out her schooling, graduating with the class of 1961. When Janetta was 3 years old, her father passed away, and the family would eventually welcome their stepfather, Elwood Grove. As a child and young woman, Janetta loved the family farm and spending time with her animals and being out in nature. She took delight in caring for her horses and her favorite childhood dog, “Wolf.”
After graduating high school, Janetta longed to attend college to become a veterinarian, but because this was not an option for many women in the 60s, she settled for cosmetology school. After completing her schooling, Janetta worked a variety of jobs, many of them involving managing resorts in the Osakis area. While at the local ballroom, Janetta met the love of her life, Freelyn Carl Wenzel Jr., and the two were married Aug. 30, 1965. Together, the couple ran Freelyn’s family farm and raised their three sons: Erik, Karl and Bill. Janetta loved farm life, especially her horses and her dogs – both the big and little ones. When the couple were ready to retire, they passed the family farm onto their grandson and moved to Parkers Prairie.
Janetta enjoyed many hobbies. She liked fishing, drawing and painting, gardening and watching the birds. She was also a skilled musician, playing the guitar, keyboard, piano, organ and the occasional accordion. Before her mother’s passing, Janetta enjoyed going to local nursing homes with Gladys and playing for the elderly.
Janetta loved her mornings and the first cup of hot coffee, even though she would drink it all day, hot or not. In November 2022, Janetta moved to St. William’s Living Center in Parkers Prairie, shortly before the passing of her husband Freelyn. And, while Janetta’s health was declining, she passed away unexpectedly April 27, 2023, in Parkers Prairie; she was 80 years old.
Left to cherish Janetta’s memory are her sons, Erik of Henning, Karl (Susan) of Garfield and Bill (Melissa) of Long Prairie; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brother Gerald Stimson; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Freelyn Wenzel; her parents, Everett Stimson and Gladys and Elwood Grove; daughter-in-law Colene Wenzel; grandson Ryan Richner; brother Wayne (Bernie) Stimson; sister Audrey (Harold) Douvier, sister-in-law Jackie Stimson; and nephew Ty Atterbury.
H-19-1B
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