L. "Jan" Wiggs

Wiggs, L. Jeannette "Jan" of Edina, for many years prominent in the Twin Cities advertising and publishing community and a patron of the arts, died Sunday, June 22, at the age of 82. The only child of Elsie Leona Phillips and Edward Guy Wiggs, she was born in Minneapolis on June 13, 1926. She graduated from Central High School, which she chose to attend primarily for the chance to study creative writing there with a gifted teacher. She studied piano, played the saxophone in the high school band and was a runner. She enrolled at Macalester College, St. Paul, but soon transferred to the University of Minnesota, majoring in journalism. She put herself through college by buying and selling used cars. Jan entered the business world at Munsingwear, Inc., where her talents took her up the corporate ladder, ultimately carrying her to the post of advertising manager, a position she held for 17 years. After leaving Munsingwear, she became an advertising representative for Group 7, a company she and a partner bought in 1980 that published arts and other local magazines, including Minnesota Orchestra Showcase, programs for The Children's Theatre Company and Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and the Metropolitan Opera program for its annual visit to the Twin Cities. Later she became an advertising representative for various specialty publications and was involved in the collectibles and antiques business with her partner Darlene Neuman. Throughout her business dealings Jan was admired and recognized for her energy and drive, and for her great personal integrity. A pianist, a frequent theater-goer and an avid opera buff, Jan used her talents and interests by serving on several arts boards, including the Minnesota Opera Association and the Minnesota Chorale. Jan had a big heart for other creatures including her special pets, Precious, Baby Boy, and Baby Girl. She volunteered at Feline Rescue in St. Paul and was involved in a project that found homes for feral cats. Jan was preceded in death by her mother, father, and stepmother, and her partner and friend Darlene Neuman. She is survived by a cousin, Erva Brown of Richfield, and many friends with whom she shared her love of animals and her joy in music and theater. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 27, 10 AM, at Lakewood Cemetery Byzantine Chapel, followed by inurnment at the graveside. Memorials to Feline Rescue, Animal Ark, the University of Minnesota Women's Golf Program, or N.C. Little Memorial Hospice are preferred. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

L. "Jan" Wiggs

June 26, 2008

Tributes

L. "Jan" Wiggs

June 26, 2008

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203