Janice Lamae (Lorenz) Shogren was born to Henry and Hulda (Smedstad) Lorenz on Sept. 20, 1930, in Starbuck, Minn. Janice married Charles (Chuck) Shogren on June 10, 1950. They had three children: Eric (Dotti), Aiken, S.C., Amy Miner, Des Moines, Iowa, and Craig (Kate), Herman. Janice is Grandma to four fantastic grandchildren: Elsie (Dave), Ethan (Ellie), Fiona, and Freya. Janice went to her Heavenly reward on March 3, 2023.
Janice was never afraid to get up and go. When Chuck enlisted in the Navy she moved with him to D.C., San Diego, and later followed him by US Navy troop ship to spend two years on Chi Chi Jima in the Bonin Islands. After Chuck’s discharge, they returned to Alexandria, Minn., and eventually relocated to Des Moines to raise their family. Then, after retiring, they moved home to the family farm in Hudson Township, Minn.
Janice made excellent use of her many skills. She started her career as a teacher in a one room school in Union Lake, Minn. She worked for the Chambers of Commerce in both Alexandria and San Diego. An accomplished seamstress, she taught sewing in Des Moines Public Schools. She also served as an administrator for many years. Ultimately, she was the Executive Director for the Des Moines YWCA, the PTA of Iowa, and finally the CrossRoads of Iowa Area Agency on Aging. After “retiring” to Minnesota she was on the Board of Directors for Hudson Cemetery Association, Douglas County Cemetery Association, Forada Days, and the Douglas County Historical Society. She was also involved in Alexandria’s Aging Antics Committee, Chapter AO of P.E.O. and Woman’s Club. A lifelong church member, she served the Lord wherever she lived. She loved to dance and one of her proudest accomplishments was founding the Runestone Rockettes, a senior ladies’ dance troupe. They entertained all over Minnesota, and she put her talent for sewing to good use in creating unique costumes for their routines.
Of all her titles, “Mom” and “Grandma” were the ones Janice loved best. If her children or grandchildren were participating in recitals, scout meetings, or performances, she was there. She also passed down an appreciation for her Norwegian heritage. That included dancing, making traditional foods, and learning the language. Still not slowing down at the age of 79, she made it to Norway with son Craig.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2023, and a Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, both at the Congregational Church in Blair, NE. At Janice’s request, balloons may be sent in lieu of flowers. Suggested memorials are Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society (www.dchsmn.org) and Hudson Cemetery Association (MN). Interment will take place at a later date at Hudson Cemetery, Union Lake.
