Thief River Falls – Janice Schwartz, 78, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
Janice Murrie Gillund was born to Carvel and Ruby (Garfve) Gillund on August 21, 1946. Janice grew up on their family farm northeast of Newfolden, where she was raised to work hard and live generously. She was baptized and confirmed at Westaker Free Lutheran Church. Janice attended school in Newfolden, graduating with the Class of 1964.
On October 17, 1964, Janice was united in marriage to Leo “Buddy” Landreville. To this union, three daughters were born, Murrie, Rhonda, and Peggy. Janice later was united in marriage to David Schwartz and together they had a son, Kenneth.
Janice worked various jobs throughout her life from the potato fields, to Arctic Cat, Northern Pride and then a 38-year-long career at Northwest Medical Center/ Sanford.
She was an unstoppable force of kindness, always doing for others without expecting anything in return.
Her grandkids had a nickname for her, “Grandma Regis,” as she couldn’t miss an episode of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. I think we all know she could’ve won a million if she only had a chance to sit in the hot seat. She was famous for making meatballs, homemade bread and banana bread, making sure everyone had plenty. She was everyone’s “Grandma Jan.”
She enjoyed playing bingo, camping, family gatherings, playing accordion with her sister Joni, traveling, and the Minnesota Wild – they were “her boys.”
Janice is survived by her children, Murrie (Jason) Keller, Rhonda Noel, Peggy Branden, and Kenneth Schwartz; grandchildren, Joshua (Amy) Easthouse, Jauna (Troy) St. Vincent, Katie (Brady) Klemetson, Kadeyn Keller, Isaac Kalinoski, Nick Noel, Casey Bladow, Zachary (Chelsea) Bladow, Jacob Eckert, Beau (Miranda) Eckert, and Levi Brandon, Kalandria, and Bella; great-grandchildren, Ruby, Nova, Ava, Bohdi, Sunny, Navy, Kash, Kruz, Annora, Jaxxson, Whitley, Ella, Quentin, Alton, and Addison; brother, Gerald (Geraldine) Gillund; and many other friends and family.
Janice is preceded in death by her husband, David Schwartz; parents, Carvel and Ruby Gillund; sister, Jonette Staie; great-grandson, Jett Klemetson; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A special thanks from Janice’s family to the Hospice of the Red River Valley for their kindness, care, and support.
Matthew 5:4 in the Bible says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Visitation will begin at noon with the service to celebrate Jan’s life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Rev. LeRoy Flickinger officiating. Burial will follow at the Holt Cemetery in Holt.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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