Janet Marie Rodacker, age 82, of Townsend, Montana passed away on March 13th, 2022 at home with her family by her side. She will be deeply missed by her husband Jerry of 59 years, their children Tom Rodacker (Chris) of Billings, Montana, Jody Toney (Ben) of Townsend, Montana. Grandchildren Nathan Rodacker of Bozeman, Logan Rodacker of Bozeman, Lauren Rodacker of Billings, Peyton Toney of Townsend, Ella Toney of Townsend, and many other relatives. Jan is the daughter of the late Sam and Emma Mittelsteadt. She is also preceded in death by her sister Bernice Pfliger (Joe) and her brother Duane Mittelsteadt (Mitzi).
A native of North Dakota, Jan was born September 21st, 1939 on her parents farm outside of Hazen North Dakota. The family later moved to Killdeer, North Dakota where they purchased the local theater and she grew up as popcorn girl, ticket sales, and usher. She graduated High School from Killdeer before moving to Fargo where she received her bachelor’s degree in home economics and science from North Dakota State University (go Bison) in 1961. She furthered her studies at Montana State and Havre receiving her reading specialist degree. After graduation, her first teaching job was in Fessenden, North Dakota, where she first met Jerry. She taught at several schools, primarily in Poplar, Montana and Townsend, Montana.
Jan was a fun enthusiast and enjoyed her time reading, sewing, social activities, pinochle, and especially loved spending time with her friends and family. Attending family and school reunions were some of her favorite times. In her early retirement, she thoroughly enjoyed travelling to Arizona, and attending as many Dixie Land Jazz festivals as possible. She was quite talented herself playing the piano, and occasionally played at church. Jan and Jerry had a memorable cruise to Alaska for their 50th anniversary.
Other hobbies that Jan found joy in were riding in her classic car, fishing, and camping. She always liked a good joke and having a good time. Jan was dearly loved by her family, and if you ever knew Jan, you would have loved her too.
Steve Sautter says
Jean and I are saddened to hear of Jan’s passing. Our thoughts are with Jerry and family, and we hope that solace comes to all in the passing days.
Joan Hunsaker says
Jerry and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife and mother. It has been many years but when I think of her I can see her smile and hear her laughter! She was a beautiful person! Sending my love and prayers!
Joan Hunsaker
Laurie Nugent says
Jan will remain in our memories as a beautiful lady with a heart of gold! Her family and friends were blessed as were her students. Condolences to you all.
Laurie and Terry
Kate Lamping says
Jody and family,
May memories of all the good times help ease the grief of the loss of your mom. Hold your family close, the love you share will help you to get through this most difficult time. Peace to all of you.
Kate
Don p says
Jan was there to greet the PoplarIndian
fans when Poplar played
at the Montana B tournament in Belgrade.
Samara Lynde says
So sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. She was a sweet neighbor and always showed us kindness. We are sorry for your loss.
Val Ault Cain says
Jan was my home ec teacher in Poplar. She was my favorite teacher of all. We became close and I would visit her at her house. She was such an inspiration to me and I imagine to many others. I want you to know that I am sorry for your loss.💜
Marge Buechler Ellis says
Fresh out of NDSU Jan was my home every teacher in Fessenden. She taught me so many important skills that I’ve needed in life. I loved her classes and her. She was my favorite teacher. Condolences to Jerry and the rest of her family.
Richard and LInda Meidinger says
Met Jan and Jerry in Arizona about 15 years ago was talking to them in a parking lot at McDonalds I think and learned we were members of a same rv park so told them we hoped to run into them again at the park and I think we did that same week. We became friends from then on and always had a blast sharing meals and playing cards and doing alot of laughing. She sure will be missed by many many friends along with her family. We wish Jerry and the familys wonderful memories to help them through this diffucult time. God Bless your all in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan Mittlestadt says
We are so sorry to hear of Janet’ passing. It was always great to visit with her and all her family at Mittlestadt reunions. I (Sue) used to be a popcorn girl at the theater, and got to meet all of her family before I married Gary Mittlestadt and then had such fun at the reunions. My mother was a good friend of Emma and we only lived a block away. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kelli Finstad Williams says
I am thankful I was able to grow up with the Rodacker family. Jan was so easy to be around – so loving and always laughing. I will miss her deeply.
Kent S Moran says
RIP Mrs. Rodacker thanks for your time in sin city