Janet Pistorius

Janet G. Pistorius, 84, Sisseton, SD, formerly of Browns Valley, MN, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Tekakwitha Nursing Center in Sisseton.

Funeral services will be Thursday, April 28, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Browns Valley with Rev. Paul Warnier officiating. Music will be provided by organist Ginny Westbrock.

Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Harmon Township, SD. Honorary pallbearers will be the Tekakwitha Nursing Center staff and the Edgewood Assisted Living staff. Active pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Aaron and Kristin Pistorius, Tyler Volk and Tiffany (Brett) Storm, Jeremy, Jonathan, Joshua and Joseph Pistorius, Eric and Justin McLane, and Alyssa and Victoria Jorgenson.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Visitation will continue Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church. The Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt, SD is in charge of the arrangements.

Janet Grace was born February 1, 1932, to Alfred and Sophie (Salveson) Vig in Claire City, SD. On June 4, 1932, she was baptized at Bethel Lutheran Church in Claire City, and later confirmed in May 1946 at Bethel Lutheran. Janet attended grade school in rural Claire City and graduated from Veblen High School in 1950. After finishing school, she found employment in Britton, SD, Minneapolis, MN, Tacoma, WA, and Fargo, ND.

On September 22, 1956, Janet married Laurel Pistorius at Bethel Lutheran Church in Claire City. Together they raised four children on the family farm in rural Browns Valley. Janet enjoyed being a housewife and homemaker. She loved gardening, canning, and tending to her flower gardens. Janet loved taking pictures and capturing all those precious moments of her family and friends who filled her life with love.

Most of all Janet was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She always took joy in caring for her grandkids who would stay with them for extended times during the summer. One of her favorite pastimes included attending or listening to the grandchildren's sporting events. Her love for sports didn't stop there. She also followed local sporting events and enjoyed watching sports on TV. Janet also loved visiting with friends and relatives.

Janet began her battle with rheumatoid arthritis in 1989. Laurel remained a loving and committed companion caring for her. Throughout her illness, Janet maintained her sense of humor and quick wit. In 2009, Janet and Laurel made their home at Greenleaf Assisted Living in Sisseton and in 2013 transitioned to Tekakwitha Nursing Center. The love of her life passed away February 5, 2016.

Janet had strong faith and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent and was chairperson of the church cleaning committee for many years. She also belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary in Browns Valley.

Survivors include four children, Mark (Jeanette) Pistorius of Sisseton, Susan (Tim) Volk of Madison, MN, David (Glenda) Pistorius of West Fargo, ND, and Nancy (Scott) Jorgenson of West Fargo; ten grandchildren; two step-grandchildren, one great-grandchild, Hayden; a sister, Lorayne Lien of Moorhead, MN; a brother, Sanford (Darlene) Vig of Claire City; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Vig of Dilworth, MN; a brother-in-law, Stuart (Margaret) Ystebo of Moorhead; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Laurel; parents, Alfred and Sophie; sister, LaVerna Ystebo; brother, Marlin Vig; and brother-in-law, Harold Lien. Blessed be her memory.