Janis F. Swenson

Janis F. Swenson, age 88, of Goodwin, South Dakota, passed away on March 9, 2026, at her home. She was the beloved widow of Lavern G. Swenson.

Born on February 28, 1938, in Sisseton, South Dakota, to Emil and Jeanette (Stowe) Martinek, Janis was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in New Effington. She attended Hart Township School and graduated from New Effington High School in 1956. She earned a teaching certificate from Northern State University and taught in several country schoolhouses before her marriage.

On May 21, 1960, Janis married Lavern G. Swenson in New Effington. The couple lived in the cities before settling in Watertown in 1973. She later sold Avon products and worked in the pharmacy at Brown Clinic until her retirement. She and Lavern moved to Goodwin after retiring. A lifelong member of the Auxiliary VFW Post #750, Janis found joy in bowling, gardening, quilting, and camping. She cherished hosting family gatherings at her home and was a devoted member of St. Peters Lutheran Church in Goodwin and later Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Watertown.

Janis is survived by her children, Steven (Sheila) Swenson of Watertown, Vickie (Russell) Hoverstadt of Wallace, Cindy (Rick) Lutheran of Eagle, Idaho, and Connie (Jeff Otto) Swenson of Watertown; thirteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; her sister, Sandra Martinek of Sisseton; and four sisters-in-law, Grace Swenson of Minnesota, Phyllis Martinek of Watertown, Iola Struck of Minnesota, and Rose Waage of Groton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lavern, two brothers Vernell “Nick” Martinek and Larry Martinek, one sister Karen Steen, one sister-in-law Jean Martinek, and four brothers-in-law Toby Steen, Allen “Swede” Swenson, Don Struck, and Don Waage.