Janice E. Thykeson

Janice Eileen Thykeson passed away peacefully on April 8, 2020 at Banner Hospital in Mesa AZ at the age of 81.

   She was born Nov. 24, 1938 in Steele County, North Dakota to Jeanette and Edwin Evanson. She grew up on the farm and attended Primrose #2 School and graduated in 1956 from Portland High School. Upon graduation, Janice moved to Fargo, ND and worked at WW Walwork.

   On Oct. 10, 1959 Janice married Truman Thykeson at Perry Lutheran Church. They raised four children on the farm in Steele County where she was a homemaker, gardener and family historian (recording family trees and making sure there were pictures of EVERY event). She loved her farm animals and created her own version of Old McDonald's farm. Therefore, chores were a must and anyone that came to visit got put to work. The kitchen was her domain where she enjoyed making meals, donuts, lefse, flatbread and baking buns. Because family was top priority, there were lots of holiday gatherings, summer stays from relatives and numerous trips to California to visit her Mom and siblings.  

   Janice loved going to school at Primrose #2 and purchased the schoolhouse to preserve it and its history. She proceeded to organize a family reunion around painting and maintaining it so she could open its doors to visitors and alumni. She was active in the Ladies Aid, School Board, Card Club, choir, LMH Auxiliary Board and Quilt Club. Her countless gifts of quilts will be a constant reminder of her love.

   Upon retirement, Janice & Truman loved to spend their winters in Apache Junction, AZ. She so enjoyed all the friendships they made living in the Park. Janice was also able to make 4 trips to Norway over the years to cultivate relationships with her Norway family.  

   Janice is survived by her husband of 60 years: Truman Thykeson of Hope, ND; son: Bradley (Karla) Thykeson of Portland, ND; daughters: Nancy (Ron) Hull of Libby, MT, Wanda Gage of Libby, MT, Michelle (Art) Cota of Gridley, CA; her grandchildren: Greg (Samantha) Thykeson, Stephani (Lucas) Teske, Ross (Amber) Thykeson, Samuel Cota, Ty Cota and Kennison Cota along with seven great-grandchildren. As the oldest of nine siblings, Janice leaves behind her 2 sisters and 6 brothers. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

   She was preceded in death by her parents: Jeanette and Edwin Evanson; brother-in-law: Kenny Thykeson and son-in-law: Ken Gage.

   We are saddened by the loss of our wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She loved everyone and stayed in contact with all those she encountered. She had the gift of giving orders so no one was left sitting around with nothing to do. She had a quick sense of humor and many of us were privy to her pranks. Janice’s no-nonsense fight with cancer over the past five years inspired us all.

   The family requests no flowers be sent; memorials preferred to Luther Memorial Home, Aurdal Lutheran Church (music fund) or donor’s choice.

Visitation:  Will be 5–7 PM on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: 10:30 AM Thursday, July 23, 2020 at the Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland, ND.

Burial: Will be in the Bang Cemetery in rural Portland, ND.