Janice Schoenrock, 63

Jan Schoenrock, 63, went home to Jesus on November 23, 2010 after her six-year battle with cancer.

She was born February 7, 1947 in Graceville to Donald and Shirley (Ward) Miller. She graduated from Browns Valley High School in 1965 and went on to Moorhead State University where she studied history. She married the love of her life, Tom Schoenrock, on June 25, 1966. This marriage was blessed with three sons and two daughters. In addition to her five children, Jan also shared her motherly love with more than 30 foster children, many of whom still call her “mom” today.

Jan was very involved in her children’s lives and made sure that Christ Jesus was the centerpiece. She taught Sunday School, vacation Bible school, and was the president of the PTL at Zion Lutheran Church and School. Jan was equally involved in her grandchildren’s lives and tried to get to all of their functions, no matter where or when they were and regardless of her health.

Jan also enjoyed going to Jackson to see her two grandbabies and to their lake cabin. She had a passion for reading, needlework, sewing, canning, baking and thrift store shopping. Jan enjoyed her part-time jobs at Jills Amoco, Star Amoco, and Rix Pharmacy. Most of all, she enjoyed her time with the Lord and lifting up everyone in prayer and putting their needs before her own.

Jan is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Tom Schoenrock; and what Jan called “her five greatest gifts,” Dawn (TJ) Schultz, Chris Schoenrock, Michelle (Jeff) Saiko, Benjie (Brenda) Schoenrock, Donnie (Emily) Schoenrock; 12 precious grandchildren, Aaron, Evan, Blaine, Ryann, Hunter, Dawson, Chenoa, Scout, Grace, Aspen, Lilly and Gavin; her father, Donald Miller of Browns Valley; brothers, Glenn (Koko) Miller and Mark (Hazel) Miller; many nieces and nephews.

She has been reunited in heaven with her mother, Shirley Miller.

If you ever asked Jan how she was, she would say, “I’m so blessed.” However, we were the ones who were truly blessed to have had her as a wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, foster mother and friend.

A celebration of life service was held Saturday, November 27 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. David Domanski officiating. Music was provided by Ken Bakalyar. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery. Casket bearers were Riley Miller, Casey Lesmiester, Josh Schoenrock, Jesse Ellingson, Cory Putnam and Andy Miller. Honorary casket bearers were Jan’s grandchildren and foster children.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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