Janice Marie Michelson

Jan was born August 6, 1952 in Marshall, MN to Harvey and Evangeline (Moseng) Gillund. Jan grew up and attended school in Marshall, and then graduated from Marshall High School in 1970. She was always smiling and happy at school. She participated in cheerleading in high school and barrel racing with 4H. She named her horse Harvey, after her dad. Jan also loved riding her bike with her brother Mike to Lynd State Park.

Jan was always a hard worker; having three separate careers throughout her life. When Jan and Denny moved up to the Twin Cities in 1973, Jan enrolled in dental school. She graduated and started her first career as a dental hygienist. In the early 1980s, Jan and Denny purchased a hair salon. Jan’s second career was a hairstylist. She worked in the salon full-time for close to 10 years. She then spent many more years, after her salon days ended, doing hair for some of her former clients out of her house. Jan’s first two jobs brought her the joy of talking with people on a daily basis. She always seemed to enjoy hearing and telling a story. Her third career brought her to Medtronic in 1992. She worked there for 26 years and retired in 2018. She was proud of the time she spent with the company.

Jan enjoyed life outside of work, as well. Jan was a great dancer. When she and Denny first moved up to the Twin Cities, they spent many date nights checking out different dance clubs in the area. Other dates included picnics on the river in Stillwater and dinners out with friends. Jan and Denny also vacationed with friends in Cancun. The yearly summer week at Gull Lake was their most cherished vacation together. This has been a tradition for 40 years and they have stayed at the same resort for 30+ years! Jan could not have been more happy lounging by the pool, boating across the lake, or spending time out on the deck reading in the morning sunshine. This was her happy place.

Jan and Denny met shortly after she graduated from high school. They were married on October 1, 1977 in Marshall, MN, and just celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. They started their lives together in a house in Columbia Heights where they raised their son, Nick. The three of them enjoyed many adventures together. Some highlights included Nick’s baseball and basketball games, shopping trips, and the yearly summer vacation. In 2002, Jan and Denny built their forever house and moved out to Andover. One the things that Jan loved the most was being a grandma to Jordyn and Carter. She spent hours playing school with Jordyn and trucks with Carter. She adored the times her grandkids, kids, and husband spent together up at Gull Lake enjoying a summer day.

It was an honor to be married to such a great woman, mother, and friend. Thanks for the memories, Jan. Love, Denny

Jan is survived by her husband Denny of 47 years; son, Nick (Shannon); grandchildren, Jordyn and Carter; and brothers, Roger and Cliff Gillund.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Evangeline and Harvey; her brother, Mike; and her sister, Shirley.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Jan’s life at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids on November 22, 2024, 1:00-3:00pm.