Janice K. Waisanen

Janice was born June 12, 1946, at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota the daughter of Michael and Bearnice (Benson) Strecker. On June 22, 1991, she married, Everett T. Waisanen, who survives.

Janice grew up in Anoka, Minnesota, the Halloween Capital of the World, she held a great love for her hometown and all of her family and friends. Halloween was her favorite holiday, she loved to decorate for the big day. Her house was always a favorite destination for young and old. Janice also had a love for winter sports and enjoyed ice skating even into her later years at the neighboring outdoor rink and was even a hockey cheerleader on ice skates.

Janice spent a career at Bell Telephone doing everything from being an operator, customer service, and sales and collections. In her “retirement” years she and Everett ran Grandma Jan’s Daycare which quickly became an extension of their family. Many of her former daycare children have often stopped by to say hello or sent warm greetings on her birthday and Mother’s Day.

Everett and Janice were longtime supporters of their kids’ high school sports attending countless games and events. Even after they had an empty nest they continued to attend high school events. Often while traveling they would search out the local high stadium or gym and watch those kids play.

Janice is survived by her loving husband; Everett, their children; Christine (Christos) Spilson, Eric (Jayme) Skogen, Alan Waisanen, Andrew Waisanen, brother; James (Mary Jo) Strecker, her grandchildren; Alexandra (Kaleb), Nickolas, Deacon, Porter, Hatch, Vincent, Sam, Thomas, John and “adopted” grandchildren; Alexis, Kali and Chelsea (Toreben), as well as, many dear friends, neighbors and Grandma Jan’s kids.

She was preceded in death by her parents and first husband; David.

The family would like to thank the staff at Orchard Creek Supportive Care for the kind compassionate care that Janice received while being a resident there.

The service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 14 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Traverse City with the family greeting friends at 12 noon. Burial in the Lutheran Cemetery of Suttons Bay will be held at a later date. Pastor Ruth Overdier will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to, Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Michigan, 921 W. Eleventh St., Suite 1W, Traverse City, Michigan 49684, Women’s Resource Center, 720 S. Elwood Ave., Suite 2, Traverse City, Michigan 49684, Salvation Army PO Box 5228, Traverse City, Michigan 49696.

Please share memories and condolences at www.martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.