Watch Vincent and Janice's Memorial Service

Janice Raaen, age 87, of Erskine, MN, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND.

Janice (Espeseth) Raaen was born on March 14, 1937, to parents Fred and Lena Espeseth near Winger, MN. She attended elementary school at Gossen District 22, a few miles from her home, and grades 7-12 at McIntosh High School. Janice went to Northland Community College in Thief River Falls, MN, and attended summer business and computer courses at Bemidji State University.

On April 16, 1955, Janice married Vincent Raaen in Casper, WY. In 1957, they moved to a farm north of Winger, where their son, Layton, was born on June 1, 1957.

Janice attended Lima Church until it's closing in 1960 and then became a member of Dovre Free Lutheran Church in Winger. At one time, she was their Sunday school superintendent and taught Sunday school and vacation bible school. Janice was an active member of the WMF where she served as secretary for many years and has been the church secretary since 1997. Janice also did volunteer work at the Pioneer Nursing Home.

In earlier years, Janice was employed by Pacific Power & Light in Casper, WY, Daniel's County Courthouse in Scobey, MT, American State Bank of Erskine and lastly at the Erskine School District 597 in the business office for 16 years. She was an extensive traveler, which took her to Europe, Asia, South America, and Hawaii, as well as most of the other states. In her spare time, Janice enjoyed reading, crocheting, scrabble, crossword puzzles, oil painting, making birthday cards, baking cookies and taking nature walks where she could see God's hand at work in everything.

Survivors include her brother, Delmar (Corneil) Espeseth, Erskine, MN; three nephews; and two nieces.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vincent; son, Layton; sister, Ardyth Rasmussen; and brother and sister-in law, Donald (Irene) Espeseth.

A Memorial Service for Janice and Vincent will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday May 31, 2025, at Dovre Lutheran Church, Winger, MN. Inurnment will be held at  Dovre Cemetery, rural Winger.