Janice Habedank, age 86, of Twin Valley, MN, died Friday, September 30, 2016, at the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley.


Janice Mignon Stenerson was born March 25, 1930, the daughter of Peter and Cora (Kjesbo) Stenerson at home on their farm in Traill County, ND, just across the Red River from Halstad, MN. Janice's father died when she was five and her mother continued to operate the farm with the help of her children, Janice's uncles, and hired hands. That farm is still owned and operated by the Stenerson family today. Janice attended rural Herberg School near their farm for her first eight years of education. She then went to Halstad High School where she graduated with the class of 1947. As a young woman, she furthered her education at Interstate Business College in Fargo, later being employed at Builder's Supply Company, Fargo, ND. It was there that she met Harold Habedank of Twin Valley and they were married September 8, 1956. The couple made their home on Harold's family farm near Twin Valley. Shortly after, Harold was drafted into the Army and they eventually moved to Fort Sill, OK, until the spring of 1958. After Harold's discharge, they returned home to farm and raise their six children. In addition to raising their family, Janice was a proud farmwife willing to assist however she could on the farm. She was an active member of Wild Rice Lutheran Church where she served as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, was involved in Circle, Ladies Aid, and WELCA. She made countless quilts over the years for missions and family members. Janice was a 4-H leader, a member of the ladies afternoon bowling league and a member of the Caring Community Auxiliary. Janice also cherished her close friendships with her Tuesday Morning Coffee Club ladies.


Harold died January 17, 2003, and Janice continued to live on the farm until moving into the Normandy Apartments in Twin Valley in 2010. She became a resident of the Twin Valley Living Center in September of 2015, where she made her home until the time of her death.
Her favorite pastimes included making quilts for her family, doing crossword puzzles, and reading. Janice was a terrific baker and her family and friends could always count on enjoying her famous chocolate chip cookies or lemon bread when they would stop by. Janice loved spending time with all of her friends and family, but truly treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Janice is survived by her six children and their spouses: John (Jolee) Habedank, Karen (Jerry) Bergstrom and Mark (Rhoda) Habedank all of Twin Valley, MN, Glen (Suzanne) Habedank of St. Paul, MN, Rick (Renae) Habedank of Twin Valley, MN, and Lisa (Cooper) Habedank Stewart of Pelican Rapids, MN; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, Dale (Carol) Stenerson of West Fargo, ND and a sister-in-law, Nola Stenerson of Fargo, ND.


She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Gunder; sister, Phyllis Johnson; and brother-in-law, Orville Johnson.