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Janis Rider Obituary

(formerly Raatz) Age 44 of St. Paul Died unexpectedly 8/23/10 while vacationing in Hawaii. Predeceased by parents Joan and Jack Raatz and beloved pets Pika and Shot Put. Survived by Terry & Rick Day, Spooner, WI; Rose Molitor & Ed Quirk, Duluth; Lyle Raatz, Youngtown, AZ; Sarah & Jessie Cress, Anchor Pt, AK; Jacob Day, Spooner, WI; David & Heather Molitor, Chisolm; Dan Molitor, Duluth; Jessie Molitor, Duluth; 4 great-nieces/-nephews; & countless friends. Graduated from Macalester College, Northern Ill Univ, & U of M Law School. An attorney for the state legislature, asst track & field coach at Macalester College, throwing coach for St. Kate's track & field, and formerly asst volleyball coach at Macalester. A sports enthusiast and natural athlete, she was the 1988 NCAA Div III natl track & field champion in javelin, with NCAA Div III track & field All-American honors in javelin and shot put and All-Conference honors in MIAC track & field, basketball, and volleyball. A Macalester College Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, she was a member of Macalester's M Club Bd of Directors. She loved traveling, the outdoors, animals, gaming, sci fi, dessert, and good beer. A formidable opponent in sports & debate, she was nonetheless a loving soul, dedicated to her family, especially her nieces & nephews. Remembered for her readiness to have fun & for the indefatigable support and guidance she gave so many friends and family. Dearly loved, deeply missed. Memorial celebration 10:00 a.m. Sept 11 Macalester College field house. Memorials preferred to Macalester College, in memory of Janis Rider, or Janis Rider Family Memorial Fund, BankCherokee.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press on Aug. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Lorrie Aspin

September 12, 2010

Our hearts ache over Janis' loss but the Fearsome Foursome will live forever as we will continue to keep her spirit alive in our hearts!
JANIS, we only wish we wouldn't have put off the trip we were planning to take....we will continue to laugh with you until we meet again, dear old friend! This is for you Janis (Jock)!
Love always, Mur(Jack), Robin(Jim), Lorrie(joe)
P.S. We'll have to have some raw pizza again sometime down the road, pal! love ya always!!!!!!

Patricia Martinz

September 8, 2010

Janis was an amazing person. I worked with her when she was a law clerk in Ramsey County and we were friends ever since. She had such a great sense of humor. I can only say that she will be missed terribly by so many because there were so many that loved her. I hope for peace for Denise, a long-time friend, her co-workers, friends, family. I could go on with the names of those who were blessed to have Janis in their lives, but there is just not enough room. Yes, she was just that amazing. I will miss you, Chica.

Sally Shoff

September 7, 2010

I had the pleasure of being Janis's atheltic trainer at Mac. I will alsways remember her as a hard working athlete with a heart of gold. It is a blessing to have met such a joyous soul. She will live on in all she touched and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Leigh Timper

September 2, 2010

A great friend, a hilarious woman, and a wonderfully strong spirit. I wish we'd been able to get those drinks together like we'd planned. Thanks for being there for me. Think I'll get a drink anyway and remember how much you enriched the lives of so many.

September 1, 2010

I only met Janis a few times when visitng my daughter in MN I would like to say Janis was a very warm,honest and real person.
I know she was very loyal and close friend of my daughters whom she talked about alot. I know they could tell each other things and didn't jugde anyone. Kids really like her my grandson even talked about her and her dog. I know she will be missed by alot of people she certainly was fun to be around. My prayers go out to all of you.

Connie Bernardy

August 31, 2010

I served in the Minnesota House of Representatives and want you to know I and others are very grateful for Janis’ service to our state and community. She will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to you. May you find comfort in your family and friends during this very difficult time.

Lynne Osterman

August 31, 2010

I am still in shock. For us, Janis was literally a "link" between my husband's work at Macalester College and mine... the majority of legislation I've personally worked on in the past six sessions was drafted with me sitting across the desk from Janis in her seventh floor office. We didn't limit our conversations to work -- which is one of the things I will really miss... we talked travel, family and our mutual interest in remodeling. We rooted for each other's projects -- and learned from each other. We will miss you, Janis!!!

Lyn Mitchell

August 31, 2010

Janis was a fantastic coach, mentor and friend to my son. Always kind and accepting, she guided him at Mac to be a decent javelin thrower and (win or not) supported his being a champion of a human being. She will be missed by our family, especially around St. Patrick's Day. Peace to Denise, Janis' family, those dear young people who were with her in Hawaii, all of the athletes whose lives she touched, her work mates, and friends as we all try to cope with this shocking loss.

Vincent Cadotte

August 30, 2010

I knew Janis since Grade School on Huntington St. Duluth,MN. I am so glad that I got to know her again. Facebook.com has help me connect with so many High School friends. Janis is dancing in the Heavens.
Vincent (Vinny) Cadotte
May the great spirit be with the Family and she forever in heart and thoughts.

Johanna Shreve

August 30, 2010

I was a track captain at Macalester. We all had great respect for Janis.

Brenda Doup

August 30, 2010

Janis will be forever in our hearts. She knew how to grab life with both hands and fill it with good. My thoughts and prays go out to the family.
Brenda (Carlson) Doup

August 30, 2010

Peace be with Janis and all who loved her.
Julie Lucking, Macalester

Tammy Bauer

August 29, 2010

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

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