Janet I. Nielsen

Janet Irene Nielsen, age 83 of Hastings died December 2, 2013 at the Regina Medical Center. Janet was born on July 6, 1930 to Joseph and Elsa (Schmidt) Ganas in St Paul, MN. She attended Macalester College and the University of Minnesota, earning Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education. Janet taught Junior High Home Economics in Hastings, South St Paul and Bloomington Public Schools until her retirement in 1990. After retirement, she volunteered regularly at the library at Gillette Children's Hospital in St Paul and in the Neonatal Care Unit at the University of Minnesota Hospital where she held tiny babies for hours when their parents could not be with them. Janet married Olaf Nielsen on June 28th, 1958 in West St Paul, MN. They raised their family in Nininger Township. She found absolute delight in her grandchildren. Her most enjoyable days were spent playing games, sharing her love of theater and music and cheering them on at their recitals, concerts and sporting matches. Her adoration was returned as the grandchildren all love their "GrandMort". She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Elsie, and husband, Olaf. Janet is survived by her children: Leslie Nielsen, Steven (Rochelle) Nielsen, and Kristine Schmitz; also five grandchildren: Erika Nielsen, Craig Nielsen, Brian Nielsen, Michael Schmitz and Thomas Schmitz. The Memorial Service, officiated by Rev. Doug Duin will be held at 5 PM Tuesday, December 10 at Our Saviour�s Ev. Lutheran Church, 400 W. Ninth St, Hastings. A Memorial Gathering will be held at church from 3 PM until the time of service. Private interment will be held at a later date.