Janis Claus

Janis Marlene Claus passed away November 4, 2025 at CHI Lisbon Health. She was born December 14, 1937 in Milnor, ND to Herman and Edlin (Carlson) Peterson. She was baptized at her grandmother's house in Gwinner (Elna Holmgren) on her grandmother's birthday March 20, 1938. She attended grade school in Aliceton Township rural Lisbon until 1951 when her family moved to Milnor and she attended school there. Janis graduated from Milnor High School in 1955 and then worked at the First National Bank in Milnor from 1956 to 1960.

She was united in marriage to Merlin Claus on September 6, 1959 at Whitestone Hill Church rural Gwinner. They made their home and farmed and raised their five children on the farm Merlin's parents bought in 1946 in Dunbar Township. Merlin passed away October 4, 2013.

She enjoyed crocheting, going to yarn angels, playing cards, especially whist & solitaire, watching Wheel of Fortune & Days of Our Lives, and having lunch & visiting with her neighbors. She also loved family get togethers, especially during the holidays. Janis was very well organized. She was known for her homemade buns and pickles. She loved her family very much and will be missed by them.

She is survived by her children, DeLair (Janine Lorz) Claus, Kindred, ND, Darwin (Debra) Claus, Enderlin, ND, Danene (Kevin) Odegard, Darin (Toni) Claus and Dallas Claus all of Milnor; 13 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. Janis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Merlin, and siblings, Milton Leonard, Morris, and Shirley Peterson and granddaughter, Kayla Thorseth.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 7, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. followed by the funeral at 2:00 p.m. at Milnor Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Whitestone Hill Cemetery, rural Gwinner. The funeral will be live streamed below.