"My sympathy to Janice's family. I was shocked to learn of her passing. I had not known she was in a nursing home; she must have just gone in. One of our mutual friends, Jo Carlson, had told me, after the fact, that she had stopped to see Jo here at St. Luke's on her way to Fairmont Dr. She was so good about sending me thinking of you cards, birthday & bring us baked goods.. She would come to help with St Luke's Bingo when it was their turn and we got to visit then. We got to know each other in Elmore. I knew her mom first; We belonged to the same church circle. Then, we got to be friends. You had a wonderful example to learn from. God bless you, Shirley Sheldahl"
In loving memory of
Janice M. Badje
December 31, 1969 - January 29, 2016
Janice Marie Badje,79, was a long time resident of this area. She left us here on earth to join Lawrence in heaven on Friday January 29, 2016 at Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center. She was born on April 21, 1936 in Elmore Minnesota to Alice and George Thovson. She received her high school diploma in 1954 and then worked as a bookkeeper for the Elmore elevator. She was the second of four children, working hard as her mother was widowed when Janice was 16 years old. Before she graduated she met Lawrence Badje at the local skating rink. He went off to the service and he sent the first note to her to begin the letter writing campaign which led to marriage on February 18, 1956.
Janice loved living on the farm raising her chickens, ducks, bunnies and pets. She had an amazing green thumb with her flower and vegetable gardens and house plants. Her homemade cooked meals and baked goods were likely shared to most everyone in the area. Janice also did seasonal work as a corn cutter at Green Giant in Blue Earth Minnesota.
Janice is highly regarded in the community through her work at Zion Lutheran Church and Rake Auxiliary. Letter writing and card sending were her most enjoyed activities along with visiting the sick, grieving and lonely.
Janice was most revered by her family including her son Jim and wife Kandy; daughter Lyn Gerdis and husband Michael; grandchildren Stetson, Alyssa, Jaden and Abby. She also leaves behind her brother Erv Thovson and wife Mary; sister Sharon Herfendal and husband Marlin; sister-in-laws Bertha Irons, Gail Thovson Fransen and Arelly Badje and brother in-laws Carl and Joseph and his wife Mary. She is preceded in death by husband Lawrence and brother Duane Thovson.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday June 12, 2016 when the flowers are in full bloom and family can share her extensive collection of pictures, newspaper clippings and memorabilia she has collected all her adult life. More details will follow closer to the date.
In lieu of flowers at this time, family prefer donations be given to Zion Lutheran Church, Rake Auxiliary or a charity of your choice in memory of Janice.
Tributes
"To the family of Janice, What a dear, sweet lady she was! I enjoyed our time when we got together for coffee; was always a fun time! Wish I could have one more!! Wanted you to know our love and prayers are with each one of you. May God give you peace and strength to go through the difficult days ahead! I know you have many great memories that will bring a smile to your face! Just like the "Big" smile Janice always had on her face! Hugs! In Christian friendship, Cheryl and Paul"
"My sympathy to the family of Janice--the Gerdis family lived next door to my sister in apple valley for awhile--they loved it when Lawrence and Janice would come up and visit-what a great couple they were--very caring--and hard working--blessed to have known you both"
"Janice was always thinking of others and I will remember her for that. She sent cards, visited many, and offered kindness. Christie (Engelby) Olinger"
"Sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed talking with her. It was a joy knowing her.I moved to Rochester in September and had not heard she was having troubles.My prayers go out for all of you. Julie Faugstad"
"She was a wonderful lady who was kind to everyone & she will be missed by so many."
"So sorry to hear the passing of Janice. She was a true disciple of Christ. She always greeted everyone with a smile, no matter what was going on in her personal life. She will be missed by her Zion Lutheran Church family."
"I remember Janice as my Sunday School teacher, Janice always had the warmest smile and the kindest words for all us little tikes at Zion Our sorrow to you on your loss, Brad Johnson & Kathy Cashman"
"I am so sad to hear of Janice passing as she was always good to keep my Mom (Marvel) and myself (Gretchen) renewed with our Rake Auxiliary cards with kind letters. -- Gretchen Daniels, Editor; Marvel Titone, Reporter; Thompson Courier & Rake Register, L.L.C.; P.O. Box 318, Thompson, IA 50478-0318 Phone #641-584-2770 thompsoncourier.rakeregister@gmail.com"