Janis Wikstrand

Janis Wikstrand, age 82, of McIntosh, MN, gained her angel wings on Wednesday, October 20th, at her home with her family by her side. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5th, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in McIntosh with Jeanne Rains officiating. Interment will be in Salem Lutheran Cemetery, McIntosh, following the memorial service. The family will greet friends for one hour before the service on Friday at the church. Mask use at the service is required so please bring your own mask. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of McIntosh, and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Janis Faye (Klemmetson) Wikstrand was born on February 12, 1939, at home north of McIntosh, Minnesota, to Oscar and Edith (Enerson) Klemmetson. She was baptized at the Rev. C.M. Westermoe’s home, confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church both in McIntosh. She grew up in McIntosh and graduated from McIntosh High School in 1957.

Janis was married to Webb Duane Fullmer on September 6, 1958. They began their life in Blaine, Minnesota, and three children were born to this union, Pam, Penny, and Webb, Jr.  Tragically, Webb, Sr. passed away on October 27, 1963. After his death, Janis and the children moved back to her hometown. On July 20, 1967, Janis married Marvin Wikstrand. To this union, one daughter, Wendy, was born. Together, she and Marvin lived and raised their family in McIntosh. Janis and Marvin were married 53 wonderful years. Marvin passed away on December 4, 2020 with his wife and family by his side.

Janis always had fond memories from her working years. She loved her job at the Cozy Theater in McIntosh during high school, serving popcorn and selling tickets. In the summers, she could be found picking rocks on the potato harvesters for area farmers. She worked at the McIntosh Bakery, Sylvia’s Pool Hall as a server/cook and at the Variety Village Store as a sales associate. For most of Janis’s life, she was a painter, often painting alongside friends Carole Burslie and Charles Svalen. Still to this day, you could find these three together.

Janis’ faith was always an important part of her life. She was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church until its closing and was currently a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. She had an unwavering faith that she demonstrated by how she lived each day. Her love of the Lord was most evident in how she cared for her family.

Janis was a dedicated mother, first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Grandma. She was a favorite to the great-grandchildren with her good sense of humor, loving nature, and always being a kid at heart with them. Children were truly the light of her life.

Janis was talented in so many aspects of her life. She was famous for her pickles, her lefse was a holiday staple, and she made the best potato salad. She had the most giving heart and opened her home to so many over the years. We all looked forward to stopping for a visit, where a cup of coffee was always ready and never complete without sugar cubes and a fresh-baked treat. She blessed so many with her quilting and sewing talents making many beautiful blankets to be cherished. She also enjoyed spending time in her garden and was a proud member of the VFW Auxiliary.

Survivors include two daughters, Pam (Steven) Hopperstad of Red Lake Falls, MN, and Wendy (Thomas) Reitmeier of Leavenworth, KS; 7 grandsons; one granddaughter; and 16 great-grandchildren. Also, surviving is one sister-in-law, Deanne Klemmetson of Fosston. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands (Webb and Marvin); daughter, Penny; son, Webb, Jr; and brother, Marvin Klemmetson.

All who loved her dearly will never forget her tenacity, humor, charm, and undying love for them.