Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Classmate Janice Dronen passed away

Janice Dronen - 1958 Sheyenne photo

We've just learned that a VCHS classmate of ours, Janice Dronen Johnson, 77, died on Sunday, August 9, 2020, at a local care center in Bismarck, N. Dak. A graveside service was held on August 14, 2020, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N. Dak.

Janice was born July 12, 1943, to Orville and Margret (Eagen) Dronen in Sharron, N. Dak. She was raised and educated in Valley City. She obtained a bachelor's degree in human resources from Valley City State University and joined the North Dakota Army National Guard in the mid-70s. She served over 22 years, retiring as a staff sergeant.

According to the obituary, Janice married Arvid Johnson, November 4, 1989, and they moved to Mandan shortly after that. Her passions were all things fabric and was often referred to as a master quilter. She and Arvid loved ballroom dancing, laughing and also made beautiful old-world Santas, selling them at Pride of Dakota shows across the state until they retired from that in 2012. Janice's other loves were her dogs, Buddy and Lucky.

Janice is survived by her daughters Darcy (Harley) Schwind, Mandan; Nikki (Jay) Larson, Sioux Falls, S. Dak.; Angie Sinkula, Lakeville, Minn.; nine grandkids and four great grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Margret; husband Arvid; son Marvin Olson, Jr., son-in-law Dave Sinkula; brother Gary; and grandson Harley Schwind III, and numerous aunts and uncles.

We remember Janice from our high school days, and extend our condolences to her family. God bless the memory of classmate Janice Dronen.  - LG 10-13-2020

Photo from Janice's obituary - 2020

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