Janice D. Briese

Janice Dea Briese, 84, of Sawyer passed away Monday, March 31, 2025, in the comfort of her family's presence.

Her life began Oct. 14, 1940, in Sawyer, the youngest of two children born to Conrad and Olga Krieger.

Janice's family meant everything to her. She cherished spending time with her three children, and was always up for a road trip with them to Mackinac Island. Once she had her grandchildren, she always had something planned for them. She would take them to the Mendel Center for the kids shows, attending the Berrien County Youth Fair, and going to the movies and parks.

Janice would spoil them by always picking up The Flour Shop cookies as an after-school treat. She was an avid sports fan and always cheering for her favorite teams; the Cubs, Steelers and University of Michigan football. She enjoyed watching the baby geese and ducks at the park. Janice enjoyed watching "The Price is Right," "Wheel of Fortune," "Murder She Wrote" and "Gunsmoke."

Janice could always be found at Cracker Barrel, where she was a regular and the staff knew her by name. Janice was always making jokes, and known to be clever and quick-witted. She was always there for her family; it was the little things she did for them throughout their lives that will stay with them forever.

Janice will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her two daughters: Tammy Briese of Benton Harbor, Jamie (Chris Scameheorn) Daniel of Stevensville; one son, Lee Briese of Stevensville; six grandchildren: Paige (Jimmy) McIntyre, Allyson (David Forgey) Crutcher, both of Benton Harbor, Brianna (Tim) Gould of Three Oaks, Ryan (Madie) Westling of Niles, Jenna (Jason Benoit) Crutcher of Arlington, Va., Nichole Westling of Berrien Springs; three great-grandchildren: Reese, Reagan, Waylon; one great-grandson on the way and a host of nieces, a nephew and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Norman "Sonny" Krieger.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. in Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer.

Janice will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Janice be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer, MI 49125.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.