Janet Duitsman

Janet Duitsman, summer resident of Crosslake, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2015, near her home in Naples, FL, after a long and difficult battle with Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Janet is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Henry; son, Mark (Tammy); daughter, Mary; grandchildren, Amanda and Matthew; brother, Lloyd (Ramona) Fedor; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and wonderful friends. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Helen Fedor, as well as her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Ambrose Wentland.

Janet was born February 25, 1933, at home in Holdingford, MN, the middle child of Frank and Helen Fedor. She excelled in school, skipped 2 grades, and graduated from high school at age 16. She then moved to the cities immediately to work for Western Oil, and lived in California for several years, working for the husband of Shirley Temple. Janet came back to MN and started working for the Vice President of General Mills. She married Henry Duitsman in 1966. She excelled in business, and was in line to become the top senior secretary for the president of General Mills, but quit her job and career, believing it was more important for her to stay at home and raise her children. Janet later worked as a counseling secretary for Elk River Schools for over 10 years.

Janet is best known for her kind, compassionate, loving, and welcoming personality. She loved gardening, and was a fantastic cook. Her hobbies included golf, playing bridge, entertaining, and spending time with many family and friends. Janet also dedicated herself to many volunteer organizations, and was appointed as the first female trustee of St Andrews Catholic Church, Elk River. Her faith was very important to her. Even in her dementia, Janet could recite most of the hymns and prayers she had learned in her youth. Janet's favorite passion was traveling the world. Janet traveled to many countries throughout the world including Cuba, Europe, Australia, Africa, and all of the United States, some of which she visited several times.

Memorials may be given to Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or Avow Hospice Care 1095 Whippoorwill Lane Naples, FL 34105 (www.avowcares.org).

Mass of Christian Burial will be 3:30pm Monday, February 23 at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake. Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 6pm also at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church and from 2pm until 3:30 pm on Monday. Burial will be in Pinewood Cemetery, Crosslake.