Janelle Eken

Janelle was born on September 23, 1955, in Grand Forks, ND to Gaylord “Bud” and Betty (Dau) Anderson.  She grew up in Gilby, ND and graduated from Midway High School in 1973.  Following high school she attended Lake Region Junior College.

After marrying on June 18, 1977, Janelle and Randy moved to Grand Forks in 1979 to work and raise their family.  Janelle stayed home with her sons while they were young before returning to a career in the Grand Forks Public Schools until her retirement in 2013.  In 1987, Janelle and Randy bought a lake home on South Twin Lake near Naytahwaush, Minnesota, where they made memories every summer until 2017. She served on the Board of Directors of the Pinehurst Association.  The door to the cabin was always open for friends and family.

In late 2017, Janelle and Randy bought their retirement home on Lake Latoka in Alexandria, MN in order to be closer to their children and grandchildren and enjoy Minnesota summers on the water.

Janelle had a big heart and cared deeply for her friends and family. Her courageous spirit - on full display over the last year - sense of humor, generosity, quick smile, and warm hugs will never be replaced.

Janelle’s life was filled with love for her family and friends. Janelle continually looked forward to seeing her family, her grandchildren, spending time at the lake, going for walks, meeting her friends for cards and bonfires and traveling with her husband Randy.  Even during the final months of her life she travelled to the Florida Keys with her entire family to celebrate and explore.

Janelle passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at her home in Alexandria at the age of 63.  She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 41 years, Randy Eken of Alexandria, MN, her sons, Aaron (Sara) Eken, their children, Calvin (5), Gabrielle (2) of White Bear Township, MN; Joshua (Molly) Eken and their children, Lily (9), Claire (7), Hazel (5), and Ruby (3) of Alexandria, MN; her mother, Betty Anderson of Grand Forks, ND, her brother, Daniel Anderson of Grand Forks, ND, her sister, Joan (Anderson) McMahon of Larimore, ND, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.  Janelle was preceded in death by her father, Gaylord “Bud” Anderson.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND.  Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM with a prayer service at 7:30 PM on Friday, February 1, 2019, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.