Ludwina Janisch

Ludwina Janisch, age 99, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at her daughter's residence in Thief River Falls, MN, under the care of First Care Hospice. Ludwina Mary Trautner was born April 12, 1908 in Marshall County, SD, the daughter of Mathias and Theresa (Opitz) Trautner. She attended school near there until, at the age of 17, her mother passed away and Ludwina took over the household chores and assisted in raising her younger siblings. She later boarded with a family in Sisseton, SD, in order to complete high school. After graduating high school, Ludwina returned to the family farm. On October 11, 1932 Ludwina was united in marriage to Adolph Janisch in Lake City, SD. The couple moved to Roy Lake, MN, and began working for S.B. Olson. In 1942, Adolph and Ludwina moved to Seattle, WA, to work in the Ship Yards, where she was a sheet metal worker during WWII. They returned home to Roy Lake in 1945, and opened "The Little Store" which was later known as "Janisch's Store." Together they operated the store for over 25 years. In 1972, they retired and moved into a cabin on Roy Lake. After Adolph's death in 1982, Ludwina remained at the cabin during the summer months and spent winters in Mahnomen. She began making her year round home in Mahnomen in 1989. She continued to live in her apartment in Mahnomen until recently when she began staying with family. Ludwina was a member of St Anne's Catholic Church in Naytahwaush, MN for many years and became a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen after moving to town. She enjoyed reading and watching television in her spare time. Ludwina spent many hours visiting and playing cards with her neighbors at the Welle Apartments. She loved to crochet and her special afghans will be treasured by each member of her family. She is survived by one son, Dave Janisch of Bemidji, MN; one daughter, Sandee (Dale) Sanden of Thief River Falls, MN; one sister, Felicia Darco of Ft. Collins, CO; one sister-in-law, Leona Trautner of Mahnomen; four grandchildren: Darrin (Becky) Janisch, Kevin Sanden, Nada (Kevin) Peterson, and Kyle Sanden; and six great-grandchildren: Vanessa Janisch, Jacob and Jordan Janisch, Katelyn Sanden, and Lindsey and Logan Peterson. Ludwina was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one grandson, David Janisch.

Ludwina Janisch

April 12, 1908 - June 21, 2007