Jane Barthell

JANE C. BARTHELL Jane C. Barthell was born Dorothy Jane Chambers to Harry E. and Grace (Dinzy) Chambers in Dubuque, Iowa on August 1, 1929. She passed away on February 1, 2026, at Gables Care Center of Boutwell's Landing, Oak Park Heights, MN and in the care of Lakeview Hospice, Stillwater, MN. Jane grew up in the Congregational Church and graduated from Dubuque High School in 1947. She attended the University of Dubuque where she majored in music and Christian education. She was the concertmaster in the university orchestra. She also sang in the university choir where she met Tom Barthell. He sat behind her and tickled her ear to get her attention. Tom and Jane were married on August 26, 1951, after Jane graduated. They lived in a tiny travel trailer on the campus of the university while Tom finished his degree. In 1952 they moved to International Falls, MN. Jane and Tom had four children, all born in International Falls. Jane joined the staff of the Koochiching County Family Services Department after the youngest entered kindergarten. In her work she traveled each week to the Ojibwa community at Nett Lake making strong connections with the people and families she worked with. She took her family to Wild Rice Festivals and pow-wows at Nett Lake, allowing them to become acquainted with the people and community. Tom and Jane moved to northern Michigan for a few years, returning in 1978 when Jane accepted the position of Family Services Supervisor at Koochiching County, where she worked until her retirement. She served on the Kootaska Board for eight years and was board chair for two years. She continued as a guardian ad litem, working with the district court for several years after her retirement. Jane played her violin in the Keweenaw Symphony while in Michigan and became part of the Rainy Lake Community Orchestra when they returned to the Falls. She was the grant writer for the annual RLCO String Camp for many years. She also played with the Borderland Community Orchestra, traveling each week to Emo, Onterio with her friend, Carol Belanger, for rehearsals. She played solos at Faith United Church on occasion and played for area presentations of Handel's Messiah. Jane was very active in the community over her lifetime. She was a member of Tuesday Musicale and several bridge clubs. Volunteer roles included tax preparer for the AARP Tax-Aide project for many years, Medicare navigator, MN/MS Connection of UCC in the Mississippi Delta Habitat for Humanity project for 14 years, choir director at Faith United for 31 years, as well as other roles within the church. She also played an active role in the efforts to raise funds to establish the Backus Community Center. Jane was preceded in death by her husband Thomas R. Barthell, who passed away on September 20, 2025; her parents, brother and sister-in-law Robert and Phyllis Chambers; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Richard Kelly; son-in-law, Bruce Kelly; daughter-in-law, Patsy Barthell; and nephew, Jon Kelly. Jane is survived by children, Linda (Mike) Orsted, Peggy Kelly, Fred Barthell, and Ann (Rick) Sigsby; grandchildren, Liz (Barrett) O'Donnell, Ingrid Orsted, Jen Barthell, Jon (Jennifer) Barthell; great-grandchildren, Emma O'Donnell and Harlow Barthell; and nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Faith United Church of Christ at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with a luncheon following. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held for both Tom and Jane Barthell on Saturday, May 23rd at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Lansing, Iowa. In lieu of flowers Jane requested memorial donations be made to Faith United Church of Christ, the Rainy Lake Community Orchestra c/o Backus, or Habitat for Humanity. Condolences may be left on www.greenlarsen.com Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.