Janis E. Schmitz

Janis Eloise Schmitz, 82, passed away Tuesday, December 8 at the Luther Memorial Nursing Home in Mayville North Dakota. Janis was born in Hope, North Dakota on May 17, 1933 to Victor and Louise (Sharske) Wennerstrom. Janis grew up on a farm East of Hope where she took an active role in the daily farm chores while being both a big and little sister to her siblings. She graduated from Colgate High School. In February of 1955, Janis boarded a commercial bus headed to San Diego, CA, to surprise her boyfriend Chuck who had enlisted in the United States Navy. It was on February 14, 1955 in San Diego when Janis married Charles (Chuck) Schmitz. After their marriage they moved back to Hope, ND where they began their family, raised livestock and farmed the land. Janis was an active farm wife who enjoyed being in the outdoors - working the garden, planting flowers, moving farm equipment when needed and making sure everyone had plenty of food and treats to eat. Janis and Chuck raised 5 children on the farm introducing them to the values of rural living and supporting the daily tasks they were asked to do. In 1991, her husband Chuck of 36 years passed. Janis began to make the daily drive to Portland, ND to work in a local sandwich and bake shop – The Depot – where she was able to make great use of her baking skills. Janis’s big smile, her bright blue eyes, and her genuine care for others allowed her to make many new friends. Janis became a big Bison fan and enjoyed the tailgating atmosphere the past 15 years – visiting with family and friends along with cheering on her grandson Kyle. Her Special K bars became the tailgater’s favorite treat. Janis loved her children. She was there for them whenever needed; likewise, they were there for her in time of need. Maybe her best role was Grandma. Janis supported her grandchildren whenever she could by attending school functions, sporting activities, and special occasions. Even her care providers called her grandma and enjoyed her wittiness. Janis is survived by children: Tarra (Ken) Ihry, Jack (Michele) Schmitz, Tracey Beckman, and Rick Schmitz. Her grandchildren; Craig (Amanda) Ihry, Kyle (Kelly) Ihry, great grandchildren Kai and Kadence; Dustin (Keely) Ihry, great grandchildren Reagan and Beckett; Haley Schmitz, Cari Schmitz, Sarah (Nick) Wilson and great-grandson Quincy; Hope Carroll, Molly Beckman. She was preceded in death by her husband: Chuck; her son: Robert (Bob); her parents; her sisters: June Elston, Joyce Idso; brothers: Winston Wennerstrom and Donavan (Stub) Wennerstrom. ‘We would like to acknowledge the great staff at Meadowlark for taking such good care of Janis; (a.k.a. grandma)’ Visitation: Will be 5- 7 PM on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville and will resume one hour prior to the service. Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Friday, December 11, 2015 at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND. Burial: Will be at the Hope Cemetery in Hope, ND.