Janet Ellen Markwell

Janet Ellen Markwell of Savage, MN passed away peacefully on December 10, 2023 at the age of 75. Jan had a stroke two months prior and had dealt with many health complications the last years of her life. To not have her suffer and be in Heaven with her Mom and Dad, gives us great peace and solitude. Jan was born on April 13, 1948 in La Crosse, WI and grew up on a farm in La Crescent, MN. Her Dad was a farmer, professional boxer, and even owned a gas station. He demanded greatness and hard work. Her Mom, Marlys, was the caretaker of the house and was the disciplinarian for her and her brother, Larry. After being a part of the first graduating class of 50 students at La Crescent High School and graduating with a near 4.0 GPA, she wanted to go to college, but her Dad was not all that excited about that. So, she went into the newspaper and found a job posting for Dun & Bradstreet in La Crosse. She got that job and it ended up being her only job and career for 35 years. She was happy being a Manager in the business and not moving to the Executive level so she could be closer to her family. In 1969, she was at a bar with her friends when she met a tall, dark and handsome Army soldier named Steve. He was stationed there as a MP after being in Viet Nam. Steve had to interrupt her at the bar from talking to a much older guy to tell her to come have some fun and dance with a guy her age. When they were done dancing, the guy was gone and the romance had already started. They were married in September 23, 1972 in La Crosse. In 1974, Dun & Bradstreet asked her to transfer to Minneapolis with her now husband and she accepted. They moved to East Bloomington and lived there for 5 years before moving to West Bloomington where they lived permanently. In 1975, her and Steve welcomed their first son, Brad. In 1979, they welcomed their last child and son, Brian. Jan made it to all sports games and was always there for Steve or the boys when needed, no matter what. She was stern, but fair, and provided the values that made her boys who they are today. After the boys graduated college and 2003, her and Steve finally had enough money and time to spend on each other and bought a condo in Fort Myers Beach, FL. She loved spending the Winter's in Florida with Steve and meeting so many new friends. They were both so blessed to have worked hard and retire early in order to enjoy life at its fullest when they were still young. She was married to her loving husband, Steve, for 51 years and had two boys, Brad (Jennifer) of Minnetonka, and Brian (Stephanie) of Prior Lake. She was also blessed with six grandchildren: Blake, Grace, Zachary, Mason, Wyatt, and Hazel. She loved spending time with the grandkids. Whether it was cooking and sharing her famous pumpkin bars or 7-layer salad, her true joy was seeing her grandkids smile and be happy, as well as seeing her sons moving to that next fatherly stage of life with her kids and themselves as individuals. She was able to see the family first and values she taught live on through the next generation. Jan was very intuitive, smart and social. She was appointed Social Director of the Social Club in Florida and enjoyed getting people together for a good time!! There were many trips to Florida from the kids and grandkids that led to being on the boat, beach, clubhouse, happy hours and plenty of sunshine. She LOVED every minute of it!! It is impossible to imagine life without you and your tender soul. We owe so much of our lives to you and we hope to be half the person you were. You will never be forgotten and we love you so much. Please watch over all of us and especially your husband, Steve. To live life without you is unbearable to think of, but we know you will give Steve the strength and support needed to be there for the boys and grandkids and represent the both of you. Your life will never go unnoticed and you will always be an angel in our eyes and hearts. We love you Jan, Mom and Grandma. We will see you again in the next life. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 20th at 11 AM at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel. Visitation one hour prior. Interment to follow at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. Donations: www.cancer.org

Tributes

Janet Ellen Markwell

April 13, 1948 - December 10, 2023

Tributes

Janet Ellen Markwell

April 13, 1948 - December 10, 2023

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