Janet Aretz

Janet I. Aretz, age 85 died on February 12, 2025 at the Annandale Care Center. 

Janet Irene Aretz, the daughter of Harold and Irene (Kohmetscher) Johnson was born on April 7, 1939 in Litchfield, MN. She graduated from Litchfield High School and from St. Cloud Beauty College. On June 6, 1959 she was united in marriage to Lester Aretz at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield, MN. They were happily married for 64 years.

Janet was a home maker, a daycare provider and worked at Ben Franklin; but her pride and joy was being an Avon Sales Representative, for which she won many regional top sales awards. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, camping, and riding both motorcycles and bicycles. Every year for Christmas and Easter, she would sew matching pajamas and dresses for the girls and bake bread and pies. In retirement, Les and Janet traveled with their motorcycles and motor home all over the United States and Canada. After they saw everything they wanted to see, they slowed down to enjoy their grandkids and great-grandkids. 

 Janet is survived by her daughters, Brenda (George) Conzet of Buffalo, Stephanie (Tom) Lucken of South Haven, Bonnie Aretz of Buffalo Lake, Renee Maass of Chaska, Jennifer Pullins of Parkers Prairie, and Leslie (Jason) Nyholm of Kimball; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and sister, Cleo O’Brian of Hutchinson. 

In addition to her parents, Janet is preceded in death by her husband, Lester; and siblings, Wayne Johnson, Leon Johnson, Marlon Johnson and an infant brother. 

 In accordance with their wishes, Lester and Janet Aretz will have a joint funeral service at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake. The rosary will be said for Lester and Janet at 10:00am at the church on March 10, 2025, followed by the visitation. The funeral service will begin at 11:00am. Interment will be held at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery in Maple Lake. A reception will take place at The Legion Club in Maple Lake following the interment.