Janice E. Johner

Janice “Jan” Johner died peacefully of natural causes at her home in Harlingen, TX on Saturday, December 19th, 2020 at the age of 82.  Jan was born in Rugby, ND on February 13th, 1938 to her loving parents Carl and Mildred Johner.  She grew up in Towner, ND with her three younger siblings- Blaine, Carlene & Susan.

Jan attended the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.  She taught in various places (Sandstone, MN, Mason City, IA, and Nebraska) before settling in Harlingen, TX in the 1970’s, where she later earned a master’s degree.  Following her time as a traveling Speech Pathologist in the Harlingen Public Schools, she settled teaching full time at Long Elementary where she taught until her retirement. Jan was a devoted and beloved Speech-Language Pathologist, she adored her students and was passionate about her profession.  Teaching brought Jan much joy, she had a strong impact and touched so many throughout her career.

Jan cherished her family and friends, and she was known for her generosity, loving support, exuberance, & adventurous spirit.  Jan had a special relationship with each of her siblings, visiting as often as she could and talking by phone daily.  Janice, lovingly called “Auntie Jan”, was the most amazing aunt to her six nieces and nephews (and six great nieces/nephews), all of whom adored and treasured her throughout their lives.  Jan shared a close bond with her nieces & nephews and thought of them as her kids (and spoiled them rotten!)  Jan was also a pet lover, and she has had many well-loved pampered dogs, cats & birds along the way!  She enjoyed traveling, antiquing, music, and beach days at South Padre Island.  Jan was a devout Catholic and member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Harlingen.

Janice is survived by her two sisters- Carlene Peters (Anchorage, AK) and Susan Miller (Towner, ND); sister-in-law Jackie Johner (Hot Springs Village, AR); nieces- Carole Ann Voorhis (Clive, IA), Traci Wiebe (Fargo, ND) and Roxy Miller (Clayton, CA); nephews- Ernie Peters (Palmer, AK), Carl Johner (Thief River Falls, MN) and Troy Miller (Valley City, ND); and her six great nephews & nieces- Brian Peters, Christopher Peters, Blaine C. Johner, Ashlee Wiebe, Hannah Miller, and Riley Miller.  Jan is also survived by three special Johner cousins.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Mildred Johner, and her brother Blaine Johner.

A service will be held at a later date in Towner, ND.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Janice Johner to the Dementia Society of America by mail to PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or online www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.