Janene Marie Lee (Clark), a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, educator, and faithful member of the Plaza community, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, at Edgewood Memory Care in Minot.

Janene was born to Francis and Regina (Kuster) Clark on April 15, 1950, and was raised on the family farm near Plaza. She attended Plaza Public School, graduating in 1968. She continued her education at Minot State University, earning a degree in Business Education with a minor in Health and Physical Education in 1972. She later earned her master’s degree in Level 2 Administration from the University of North Dakota in 2000.

From a young age, Janene preferred the outdoors and farm life, working alongside her siblings. She was lovingly known for her strong will and her ability to find a bit of mischief. Her family spent many hours together, singing, laughing, working, gardening, and building a foundation rooted in love, faith, hard work, and resilience. Her love of singing and gardening remained with her throughout her life, and she took great pride tending the garden and flowers she maintained on the farm for many years.

In the summer of 1970, Janene met Harlan Lee, and the two were married on December 26, 1970. They made their home on the Lee family farm, where they built a life together and raised their family. The farm was a place where hard work, commitment, love, and resilience were lived out each day.

Janene devoted more than 35 years to education, touching the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues. She began her teaching career in Taylor, North Dakota, where she taught for one year before a teaching opportunity opened in Plaza. Over the years she served both as a teacher and principal in Plaza and then later the Lewis and Clark school district, working with students from the Plaza, Makoti, Ryder, and Berthold communities. Janene truly loved her students and was deeply committed to their success. She often taught multiple generations within the same families and spent countless hours supporting the schools and communities she served. Even after retiring, she continued to give her time as a substitute teacher for the Plaza and Berthold schools.

Faith was also an important part of Janene’s life. She was a long-term member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plaza and gave generously of her time and talents there. For many years, Janene and her oldest sister, Clarine, led the music for the church. After moving to Minot, she became a member of Little Flower Catholic Church.

While Janene was dedicated to her school and community, her greatest joy was her family. She and Harlan were blessed with two children, Teresa and Paul. She held a high standard for her children, but those expectations were always paired with grace, encouragement, and support.

Becoming a grandmother brought Janene true happiness and revealed her deep selflessness. She would do anything for her four grandchildren - Alex, Tana, Gavin, and Tegan - who were truly the light of her life. Countless hours were spent playing on the floor, gathering at the table for games, baking cookies, and running around outside on the farm.

Family gatherings usually included the sound of shaking dice. Favorite games were 6-5-4 and Left Center Right. Though Janene would sometimes be reluctant to join in, she inevitably seemed to be the lucky winner of the double or triple pots. She would smile as she was collecting the money - apologizing to everyone - and almost always offering to share her winnings, especially with her grandkids.

In the final two years of her life, Janene was lovingly cared for by the compassionate staff at Edgewood Memory Care in Minot, and in her final months by CaringEdge Hospice Services. Their kindness, patience, love and care meant so much to her family and will always be deeply appreciated.

Janene lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love for others – values she passed on to generations of students and to the family she loved so dearly. The example she set as a teacher, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend will continue to guide and inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Harlan Lee; her daughter, Teresa (Mike) King, and their children Alex and Gavin; her son, Paul (Sara) Lee, and their children Tana and Tegan; her sisters, Clarine Sandstrom, Kathryn (Randy) Mackey, and Deann (Bob) Bergan; her brothers, Mike (Cheryl) Clark and Jim (Dianne) Clark; sister-in-law, Cindy Clark; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Janene was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Paul and Verna Lee; special aunt and uncle, Loretta and Armond Wittmayer; her brother, Jerry Clark; and brother-in-law Donnie Sandstrom.

The family prefers memorials to CaringEdge Hospice Services, Edgewood Memory Care, the Spring Valley Cemetery Fund, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday March 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot.

A visitation will be held on Monday March 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, with a prayer service to follow.

Burial will take place at Spring Valley Cemetery in rural Plaza.