Janeen Mayer Scheeler, 80, Minot, ND, peacefully departed this world on November 21, 2023 after a valiant fight with Alzheimer’s disease.
Janeen was born on March 5, 1943, in Richardton, ND, to Tony and Kathryn (Wehner) Mayer. Janeen’s early years were spent on the family farm alongside her beloved siblings. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse and transitioned to St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Dickinson during elementary school. During her teenage years, she moved from the farm to Dickinson. She attended Dickinson High School, graduating in 1961. After high school, she pursued a career in hairstyling at Josef’s School of Hair Design in Fargo.
On November 27, 1964, Janeen married Robert Scheeler in Dickinson launching an incredible love story ending just short of 59 years. Their journey took them to California for graduate school for Bob and work as a hairstylist for Janeen. The family settled in Minot in 1970, where Bob joined the Humanities Division at Minot State. Janeen wholeheartedly embraced her role as a devoted wife and loving mother, pouring boundless warmth and care into every aspect of her family’s life. Janeen and Bob were members of Little Flower and later Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.
In 1980, she began a career at JCPenney, earning numerous awards from the company for her service, including the Minot Area Chamber Eagle Award for Customer Service during her tenure. She retired in 2003 leaving a lasting impact on colleagues and customers. In retirement, she spent several years leading water aerobics and exercise classes for the YMCA and Adult Learning Center.
Janeen loved entertaining family, friends, and colleagues. Her culinary prowess shone brightly during family gatherings, where she became renowned for her delectable caramel rolls, poppy seed strudel, and incredible cheesecake, as well as her skillful mastery of the grill, creating perfectly grilled steaks.
Janeen’s warm and inviting nature created a haven of comfort for all who knew her. As Janeen often said, “Sometimes you just need a little sunshine”. Janeen intuitively knew how to provide it. Her genuine kindness and compassion touched the lives of those around her, leaving a lasting mark on the hearts of family, friends, and acquaintances alike. Whether offering a listening ear, a comforting word, or a gesture of support, Janeen had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel appreciated, valued, and loved. She was a supportive wife, a caring mother, and a loving grandmother.
We love you, Grandma Jeannie! It’s a blessing to know that, in passing, the memories of a life well lived and loved have returned to her. We will see you in the sunshine!
We want to express our profound gratitude for the exceptional care and compassionate support Janeen received during her final months in Cookie’s Cottage at Edgewood Memory Care. We also want to thank the Caring Edge Hospice team for their invaluable assistance. Thank you for the comfort and care you provided Janeen in her final days.
Janeen was preceded in death by her father, mother, sisters, Arlene Karsky and Lavonne Ficek; mother-in-law Rose Scheeler; brothers-in-law Tony Karsky and Steve VanDerMeer.
She is survived by her husband, Bob; her daughter, Tanya Brisson (Mark) Boise, ID; her son, Tom Scheeler (Jodi) Minot, ND; grandchildren, Daniel and Emily; Annie and Emma; and three great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by her brother, Ken Mayer (Diane) Minot, ND; sister-in-law, Claudia Andrus (Jim) Hendersonville, NC; brothers-in-law, John Scheeler (Kate) Westminster, CO; and Terry Ficek Dickinson, ND. Janeen is also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, November 28 at 11:15 AM in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary & Vigil Prayer Service: Monday, November 27, 2023 at 7:00 PM in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Visitation: Monday, November 27th from 5:00-7:00 PM in the funeral home.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers or plants the family prefers memorials to Our Lady of Grace Food Pantry or the Minot Public Library.
