Jan M. Polchow

Janet Marie Polchow, age 76, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2013, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Jan was born on April 8, 1937 to Andrew and Anna Larson Miller in Averill, MN. She grew up and attended school in Averill. On March 31, 1962, she married Marvin Polchow in Hutchinson, MN. They had three daughters, Lori, Joni and Vicki. They made their home in Moorhead.

Jan was a wonderful mother who always made time for her family. As a young mother, Jan stayed at home to raise her daughters. On the side, she sold Tupperware where she earned many sales awards. Her daughters accompanied her to many Tupperware parties, and their home had more Tupperware than any household could ever use. She was an extremely talented seamstress and was always sewing something for customers or her family. Jan’s largest project was sewing the bridesmaid’s dresses for an entire wedding party. She created many one-of-a kind outfits for her daughters and numerous Barbie dolls as well. Jan enjoyed taking family trips; many summer vacation memories were made at Lake Kabetogama in Northern Minnesota as well as other lakes and campgrounds throughout Minnesota. When all the girls were in high school, Jan began working at SunMart Foods in North Moorhead close to their home. She continued working there until her retirement in 2000. In 2001, Jan began working at CashWise Foods in Fargo. Jan had many hobbies throughout her life. She enjoyed her metal detector and found many treasures throughout the years. Jan also enjoyed collecting baseball cards and coins. She was proud of her vast collection of music. Chances are, if you can name any classic country artist, she probably owned at least one of their albums or CDs. Jan was a huge sports fan! She loved the Minnesota Vikings, and the Minnesota Twins. Jan was always equipped with a camera, capturing memories that can now live on in our hearts forever. Although she was eventually divorced, she still remained close to her husband and his side of the family. Jan’s family meant the world to her. There wasn’t a room in her home where you couldn’t find pictures of her grandchildren. Jan’s memory will be forever cherished.

She is survived by her children, Lori Ty Ellefson of Ulen, MN, and their children Arron, Andrew and Claire, Joni Polchow of Moorhead, MN, and her daughter Jennifer Nick Gjestvang of West Fargo, ND, and Vicki Willie Battle Polchow of Fargo, ND, and her children, Brandon and Hannah; sister, Beverly Teddy Ingersoll of Moorhead, MN; Marvin Polchow of Moorhead, MN, and his brothers, William Bette, Harold Betty, and sister Verna, all Hutchinson MN. Jan is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog, Mollie.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, George Vivian, Robert and James Millers, and sister-in-law, Ruth Edwin Duesterhoeft.