Janet "Jan" M. Nelson, 53, Minot, and formerly of Glenburn, died Monday, May 31, 2010 in a Minot Hospital.

Jan was born September 28, 1956 at Powers Lake, North Dakota the daughter of Melvin and Julia Gullickson. She was adopted at an early age by John Helseth and Julia and raised and educated at Tatman Township School, before graduating from Minot High School.

She attended Minot State College and was united in marriage to John Nelson on September 28, 1978 at Minot. They have since made their home in Minot, where she operated a daycare business. The past 14 years, she has been employed by Prairie Rose Home services as a caregiver.

Jan was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church, Minot, and had taught Sunday School classes and made pies throughout the years for the Church's fair stand.

Jan enjoyed collecting cups and spoons from different States. She also collected angels and since her childhood enjoyed horses and cats. She had several pet cats throughout the years.

Her loving family includes: husband of thirty-one years, John; children, Nicolette and Kristin Nelson, both of Minot; brother, Marvin (Arliss) Godejohn, Burlington; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Gene Godejohn.

Funeral service: Monday, June 7, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in First Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Sunday from Noon-5:00 p.m in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family prefers memorials.