Janice Johnson

Aug. 30, 1940-Dec. 8, 2025

Fargo

Janice Luann Johnson, 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Monday, December 8, 2025, following a short stay at Heather’s Hospice House in Fargo, ND.

Janice was born on August 3, 1940, in Rugby, North Dakota, the second child of Harold and Ida Ostrem. She grew up on the family farm Southwest of Rugby, attending First Lutheran Church and graduating with the Rugby High School Class of 1958.

After high school, Janice attended Business College in Minot, ND, and began working in the business office at Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby. During this time, she was an active member of the Lutheran Loyal League, where she met Ansell Johnson. Together, they formed many lifelong friendships through the League.

On September 10, 1961, Janice and Ansell were married at First Lutheran Church in Rugby. As partners in life and farming, they built their home and family in the Wolford community. They were longtime members of Wolford Lutheran Church, where Janice was deeply involved in the Ladies Aid, serving her church and community for many years. She participated in the TOPS organization, mixed league bowling with Ansell and was a devoted supporter of her children’s school activities and sports.

Janice and Ansell moved into Rugby in 2011 and in 2023, they relocated to Sheyenne Crossings Assisted Living in West Fargo, where Janice quickly formed strong friendships with both residents and staff.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Ansell; her parents, Harold and Ida Ostrem; her in-laws, Alrik and Minnie Johnson; brother-in-law Everett (Marian) Johnson; and sisters-in-law Elvera (Clark) Baker, Anita (Clifford) Gunderson, and Hazel (Alfred) Juntunen.

She is survived by her daughter, Lori (Ron) Graber of Wolford; sons, Craig (Rachel) Johnson of Wolford and Fargo, and Bruce (Arin) Johnson of West Fargo; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her brother and sister-in-law, Harold Jr. and Marlys Ostrem; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Janice lived a life of strong faith, always placing the needs of her family and friends above her own. She and Ansell’s 62½ years of marriage stand as a lasting example of devotion, love, and family-centered living.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15, at First Lutheran Church in Rugby with Pastor Sharon Baker officiating. Burial at Wolford Cemetery.

Casket Bearers: Matthew Johnson, Rylan Graber, Zachary Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Eliot Preston, and Bryant Swiers

Honorary Bearers: Alyssa Swiers, McKenzie Preston, Ashley Johnson, Samantha Johnson, Addison Johnson, Brieanna Graber, Kayla Johnson, Callen Johnson, Thea Johnson, Leila Swiers and Hadley Graber

Readers: Alyssa Swiers, McKenzie Preston, Samantha Johnson and Addison Johnson

Organist: Pam Anderson

Vocalists: Brieanna Graber, Kayla Johnson and Ashley Johnson

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, December 20, 2025.