Janet Elaine Collette

About Jan

Janet Elaine Collette, formerly of Bemidji, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 25, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Jan was born January 29, 1941, in Ossineke, Michigan, to Richard and Elaine Cole. Jan had fond memories of her childhood, from helping shingle the roof on the home her father built for the family to fly-fishing in her waders.

Jan married Robert L. Collette in 1959. Her husband Bob’s career as an air-traffic controller led to a life lived in several locations, including Detroit; Minneapolis; Dayton, Ohio; and Saginaw, Michigan.

Jan took great pride in her roles as wife, mother, and homemaker. She never missed a ball game or piano recital, loved decorating her home and making it welcoming, and made certain her children all knew of Jesus’ great love for them. She selflessly and sacrificially served her family. Jan was an excellent cook and prepared not only meals that brought her family together each day, but countless bowls of popcorn, pans of homemade brownies, and goodies in “the fudge pan” for them to enjoy while rooting for her favorite team, the Vikings.

Jan enjoyed music and was a pianist or organist at every church she attended. She was an avid quilter and loved to travel, and her beloved dog Sassy was a faithful companion for many years. Jan found a lot of joy in partnering with her husband as a realtor, and her outstanding organization skills were an asset at Fleet Mortgage, where she worked as a loan officer and mortgage loan processor.

In 2006, Jan moved to Bemidji, where she became involved in the Evangelical Free Church and developed many sweet friendships. Throughout her life, her faith and her family remained her highest priorities.

When asked about her greatest accomplishment, without hesitation Jan replied, “My children.” She will be greatly missed by David (Shanda) Collette of Grand Blanc, Michigan; Denise King of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Stephen (Todd) Collette of Golden Valley; and Debra (Jerry) Johnson of Bemidji. Jan created wonderful memories with her grandchildren: Nicole Green, Drew Collette, and Kelsey Thompson; Molly King, Sara King, and Kevin King; and Callie Johnson, Tessa Gill, Lydia Johnson, and Serena Hall, as well as 12 great-grandchildren.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, and her sister Glenice.

memorial service

Memorial Service for Jan

February 2, 2024

Evangelical Free Church of Bemidji 115 Carr Lake Rd SW, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Reverend Jerry Johnson, Jan’s son-in-law, will conduct the service. A light meal will be served following the service, which will be live-streamed at efcbemidji.org/live.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home