Margaret Mary Janssen

Margaret Mary Janssen, 96, of Fessenden, ND passed away Thursday, August 7, 2025 at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, ND.  The family will be honoring Margaret’s wishes for a Private Funeral Mass on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 10:30AM at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Fessenden, ND with Fr. Steven Wirth celebrating.  Burial will be held at the Hillside Cemetery in Fessenden.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd: 1226 1st Avenue N, New Rockford, ND 58356-1415 or to St. Augustine Catholic Church: 105 7th Ave S, Fessenden, ND 58438.

Margaret Mary Janssen was born October 23, 1928 to Frederick & Elise (Poitra) Zura in Rolette ND.  She attended Rolette School and graduated in 1946.  Margaret was born 5th in a large family of 12 brothers and sisters with 2 dying in infancy.  When her dad passed away leaving lots of young kids at home, Margaret went straight to work at the Farmer’s Union Oil in Rolette to help the family.  In a later interview, her boss said she could do everything from keeping books and pumping gas to changing tires.  

She met her life partner, Don Janssen, when he was working for Otter Tail Power Company as a lineman installing electricity in the area.  They were united in marriage on June 15, 1950 in Thorne ND during a small ceremony.  They made their home and raised 3 children in Fessenden where she worked for different businesses including the grocery store and as a receptionist for Dr. Towernicky’s medical practice.

Margaret had a servant’s heart and her door was open for all whether a short visit or a longer stay.  When her kids were school aged, she opened up her home to area kids with developmental disabilities so they could attend school during the week and receive special education services.  Her faith was a priority in her life made obvious by her daily rosaries and devotion time.  She was a long time member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Fessenden.  One of her most beloved memories was a trip to Canada to see Pope John Paul II.            

Margaret was an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa’s.  She enjoyed taking her grandkids arrowhead hunting and had a keen eye for spotting them in the fields.  Her biggest joy in life was her grandkids and her great-grandchildren who fondly referred to her by “Nanny”.  

She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Terry) Solberg; brother, Michael (Erika) Zura.  Her grandchildren & great grandchildren:   Travis (Jenn) Tesch (Jaxson, Ty, John); Bobbi Jo Janssen (Aiden, Josie, Indigo) Misty  (Brett) Cronin (Connor, Landon, Baylen); Tanner (Tiffani) Tesch (Myka, Eryn, Penelope);  Chelsea Janssen.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Don; sons, Donny and Bob; her parents, and 10 brothers and sisters.