Janet J. 'Jeanne' Freeberg-Fernkes

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Freeberg-Fernkes, Janet J. "Jeanne" 78, of Minneapolis, MN and formerly of Owatonna, New Richland, and Scottsdale, AZ. A caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away on January 14, 2017 in Coon Rapids, MN. Although named Janet at birth, her grandfather insisted she was more of a Jeanne, the name she regularly used throughout her life. Born April 4, 1938 as Janet Jean Janke to Donna and Otto Janke in Glencoe, MN, she was a lifelong MN resident and part-time snow bird until she moved to Scottsdale, AZ full-time in 2005; returning to MN in 2014. Jeanne was a business owner in Owatonna for over 20 years, retiring in 1998 to St. Olaf Lake outside of New Richland, MN. In retirement she was an avid volunteer of her time to many in need and a frequent casino visitor where she never met a slot machine that she didn't like. Jeanne is survived by beloved daughters, Diana (Steve) Olson of Coon Rapids, MN, and Maya (Tim) King of Danbury, WI; grandchildren, Tasha Birk of Cape Coral, FL, Jacob Olson of Coon Rapids, MN, and Derek King of Danbury, WI; great grandsons, Colton Olson, Macen Olson; great granddaughter, Aurora Birk; sisters, Sharon (Ed) Niemela of Harris, MN, and Sandre Reed of Ft. Meyers, FL; along with nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Bradley Reed Freeberg; grandson, Joshua Reed Olson; and her sister, Barbara. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Saturday, January 28, 2017 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 1:30 PM at Michaelson Funeral Home, 1930 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials can be made to Ascension Lutheran Church, Paradise Valley, AZ or Hospice of Owatonna.

Published on January 24, 2017