Janet E. Marquart

Janet Marquart, 83, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Monday, January 24, 2022, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley at Ecumen Evergreens, Moorhead, MN, surrounded by family.

Janet was born on June 24, 1938, in Moorhead, MN to Edward and Hulda (Brandt) Fitzgerald. Janet grew up in Sabin, MN along with her six siblings. She attended grade school in Sabin and graduated from Moorhead High School in 1956. That same year, she met Douglas Marquart during a youth event held at St. Cecelia’s Catholic Church in Sabin, MN. On March 2, 1957, Janet and Doug were married and they celebrated 64 years last March.

Janet and Doug lived in Moorhead and Glyndon for most of their married life. They raised 6 children and were blessed with 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Their family was surrounded by extended families of Fitzgerald’s and Marquart’s. The family celebrated every chance they could, from anniversaries and birthdays to any reason to get the family together. Janet was the force behind the family – she did it all. When people would visit, they were surrounded with hospitality: food, beverages, and fun. She enjoyed cooking for the family and was known for her cheesecake and pumpkin bars. Janet could plan and throw a party for an army.

Janet and Doug spent 55 wonderful summers at Fish Lake, Dunvilla, MN. Their children and grandchildren grew up at the lake and there is nowhere they would rather be on the weekends. Even though Janet was not fond of water, she helped her children learn to swim and waterski. She also enjoyed dancing, bowling, making floral arrangements, and decorating her home inside and out for the holidays. She was ruthless in rummy and could lay all her cards in one round, but she did allow her grandkids to win.

Janet spent the majority of her career in the hospitality area. She worked at MSUM food services, office manager at the Silver Spike Hotel, Lounge and Restaurant, Cass County Courthouse Cafeteria, and in the office at Fitzgerald Construction. Janet owned and operated The Hill Lounge in Glyndon, MN, from 1978 to 1983. She truly enjoyed meeting new people and hearing their stories. After Janet retired, she and Doug spent 5 years wintering in Apache Junction, Arizona, before returning to reside full time at their lake home.

Janet is survived by her husband, Douglas Marquart, Moorhead, MN; daughter, Debra Rehorst (Duane Fercho) Watertown, SD, daughter-in-Law, Sandy Marquart, Annadale, MN, daughter, Becky (Dave) Lein, White Bear Township, MN, son, Thomas (Julie) Marquart, Wolverton, MN, son, Timothy (Susan) Marquart, Pelican Rapids, MN, and daughter, Brenda (Chaun) Luthi, Moorhead, MN; 14 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Pat (Lloyd) Wilke, Bismarck, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her son, Douglas Marquart, Jr.; parents, Edward and Hulda Fitzgerald; father and mother-in-law, Eugene and Leone Marquart; sisters, Janice Kittilstved, Kathryn Kennedy, and Diane Rogne; and brothers, Ronald Fitzgerald, and Gene Fitzgerald.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7, Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Visitation will continue from 10-11 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 3, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.

Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.

Online guestbook and video tribute available at www.wrightfuneral.com