Janice Joanne Peterson, our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, 70, rural Makoti died suddenly on April 2, 2015 in her home.

Janice was born on April 13, 1944 in Minot to Lloyd and Lena (Walz) Irwin. She was reared on the family farm north of Max and attended a rural school prior to graduating from Max High School in 1962 as the class Valedictorian. As a young adult she was employed by a Minot phone company.

Janice married Sherman Peterson on July 19, 1964 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Max. They made their home on a farm in Linton Township of Ward County near Makoti where they raised beef and dairy cattle, sheep and small grains. This past July they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They received a "Centennial Farm Award" in 2011 and were the "NDSU Farm Family of the Year" in 1989. Janice was also employed as a custodian at Swenson RV, Our Redeemers Church and Peterson Maintenance.

Janice was a longtime member of Our Redeemers Church where she taught Sunday School. She was a 25 year leader of the Busiest Beavers 4-H Club and a longtime member of the Borderline and Lund Homemakers clubs. She was a longtime volunteer at the Makoti Threshing Show and she hosted multiple 4-H IFYE exchange students. Janice was hardworking, wise, had a servant's heart, and was known for her great hospitality and storytelling. Janice especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, cooking, baking, gardening, yardwork, drawing, writing and being the best fan and supporter of her kids and grandkids many activities. She was a strong Christian lady and will be missed dearly.

Janice's loving family includes her husband of 50 years: Sherman; children: Layne Peterson of Makoti, Jim (Peggy) Peterson of Bismarck, Scott (Lora) Peterson of Minot, Tracy (Jennifer) Peterson of Center and Melodee (Nathan) Swenson of Minot; grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Karsten, Shad, Hannah, Zach, Rebecca, Jordan, Samantha, Tanner, Megan, Collin and Natalee; in-laws: Sandra Irwin, Shirley (Ron) Harbaugh, Edward (Elaine) Peterson, Darrel (Judy) Peterson and Richard (Denise) Peterson and numerous nieces,
nephews and cousins.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, father- and mother -in-law: Paul and Nanna Peterson, sister: LaDonna (Roy) Hubsky, brother: Larry Irwin,sister-in-law: Lavonne Peterson, nephew: Andrew Hubsky and niece: Jennifer Peterson

Celebration of the Life of Janice Peterson: Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in Our Redeemers Church - Minot.
Family Prayer Service: Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in Our Redeemers Church.
Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens - Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Our Redeemers Church.