Janet Lawson, 85, Minot and formerly of Morris, MN, died on Sunday, March 19, 2023 in a Minot nursing home following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Her loving family was by her side.
Janet Ilene was born on September 21, 1937 in Morris, MN to Arthur and Harriet (Nelson) Anderson. She was raised and educated in Morris and graduated from Morris High School. She continued her education at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, where she attained Licensed Practical Nurse credentials, and met Gerald “Jerry” Lawson.
Janet married Jerry on January 19, 1957 in Morris, MN. They made their home in Minot, where she was employed at Trinity Hospital. Her 40-year career included time in the Emergency Room, establishment of the ambulatory one-day surgical care unit, work as an Ostomy Nurse, and concluded in the GI Lab when she retired on July 7, 2004. In addition, she assisted her husband in the operation of his businesses: Jerry’s Standard, Jerry’s Automotive, and National Car Rental. They continued to reside in Minot following their retirement.
In addition to being a nurse, Janet was a dear mother to her two boys, Kevin and Lindsay, as well as their friends. She will be remembered for the baked goodies she shared with anyone coming to their house, but her passion was her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and little dog Pepe. She loved crafts, church work, shopping with friends, painting and keeping busy. She enjoyed camping and RVing with her husband, but was always glad to be back home with her family.
As one of the founding members of Lawson Racing, made up of her husband, sons, and grandson, Janet spent decades cheering on the team from the stands at the Nodak Speedway. She was a member of the Nodak Race Club Auxiliary, Magic City Driftbusters Snowmobile Club, and the Ramblin Nodaks RV Club. Janet was also a member of Bread of Life Lutheran Church, and a former member of Zion Lutheran Church.
Janet’s loving family includes her husband of 66 years, Jerry; sons: Kevin (Tracey) Lawson and Lindsay Lawson; grandchildren: Dustin (Kayla) Lawson and Ashley Lawson; great-grandchildren: Ethan and Ellie; brother: Richard Anderson; in-laws: Reita (Larry) Driskell and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law: Iver and Maybelle “Babe” Lawson, and in-laws: Donna Ostendorf and Iver Lawson Jr.
Celebration of the Life of Janet Lawson: Friday, March 24, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Bread of Life Lutheran Church – Minot. A livestream of the service may be viewed by using a link TBD.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park – Minot.
Visitation: Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Bread of Life Lutheran Church.
