Janet Haanen

Janet Haanen, age 83, of Browns Valley, MN, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Browns Valley Health Center.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at United Methodist Presbyterian Church in Browns Valley, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Pr. Kirk Snaza will officiate, and interment will be at Valley View Cemetery near Browns Valley.

Janet Mae (Grosenick) Haanen was born on January 8, 1942, in Graceville, MN, to Arthur and Alvina (Angerhofer) Grosenick. She grew up in Browns Valley, MN, and attended Browns Valley High School. With a love for the area, Janet decided to make Browns Valley her forever home.

On November 29, 1958, Janet was united in marriage with Roger Haanen. They were blessed with three children: Greg, Tam, and Jeffrey. 

After her marriage, Janet pursued her educational aspirations by earning her General Education Degree and attended Sisseton Wahpeton College. She dedicated herself to her career of caring for others at Graceville and Browns Valley Nursing Homes. Janet’s compassion and dedication made a lasting impact on the lives she touched. 

A woman of many talents, Janet found joy in sharing her passions with others. She sang in the choir at Zion Lutheran Church in Browns Valley, where her voice uplifted the spirits of the congregation. Known for her amazing cooking, Janet delighted family and friends with her culinary creations, which were always served with love. Her grandchildren cherished her malts and her popcorn. Janet was also known for her “meals on wheels” which she prepared for working farmers, her children and her grandchildren. She also prepared and brought meals to her mother every day. 

Janet was a woman of grace, class, and exceptional character. She was always ready to laugh while still being the classiest woman around. Janet had a 24/7 vet clinic in her home and was always ready to help an animal that needed rescuing. She raised many racoons over the years, always bringing them into her house and nursing them back to health.

In addition to her other remarkable talents, Janet was an amazing artist. She found joy and fulfillment in painting, regularly attending lessons in Watertown, SD. Her artworks, infused with majesty and depth, will forever be cherished by her family, serving as lasting reminders of her vibrant spirit and creativity.

Janet was fortunate enough that she remained in the comfort of her home, cared for tenderly by her devoted husband, Roger, until she transitioned to a nursing home, where her spirit continued to shine with Roger right by her side.

Left to cherish Janet’s memory are her husband of 66 years, Roger Haanen; her children: Greg (Cari) Haanen, Tam Peterson, and Jeffrey Haanen (Marcie Pearson); grandchildren: Erin (Josh) Biel, Whitney Haanen, Savanna (Tanner) Stapleton, Kira Peterson (Luke Durgin), Tory Peterson, Dylan (Obiritanea) Haanen, Morgan (Devin) Tohm, and Isaac Haanen; great-grandchildren: Preston, Ian, Hance, Letty, Creed, Bellamy, Bexley, Jasper, Jasmine, Hooper, and Hazin; sisters: Rosalie Comer, Elaine (Richard) Obershaw, and Sandy (William) Peters; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Arthur and Alvina Grosenick; and brother, Dennis Grosenick.