Janet M. Davis, age 87, of Chanhassen, formerly of Osakis and Alexandria, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at her home in Riley Crossing Senior Living.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, June 22, 2026, at Riley Crossing Senior Living in Chanhassen. Please join the family for lunch following the service.

A private interment was held at Geneva Cemetery in Alexandria.

Janet Muriel (Erickson) Davis (87) April 5, 1939 - June 11, 2026

Jan was born April 5, 1939, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the daughter of Axel and Elizabeth (Folden) Erickson. She had three older brothers: Robert, Ray yand Jim.

She graduated from Central High School in 1957. She met Bob Davis at the roller-skating rink, and they married on September 9, 1961. Their first child, Jeanie, was born and shortly afterwards, they moved to Pierre, SD. After settling into their next home in Rosemount, MN, they had their second daughter, Patti. They loved the house they built in Burnsville and their first son, Jim, was born there. In 1970, they bought a sign business in Osakis, where their last son, Paul, was born.

They loved living in the country and raising their children. Jan was busy with the kids, helping Bob with the sign business on the truck, and doing all the bookkeeping. In addition to making her delicious chocolate chip cookies, she also baked homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, and pies. Jan was involved with the Ladies’ Aid Society and Bible studies at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Jan and Bob loved to host people at their home, being the halfway house between the Twin Cities and Grand Forks. They hosted many family holidays and reunions, church and school picnics. The coffee pot was always on as Jan loved a good cup of coffee.

In 1980, Jan and Bob bought two vacuum cleaner stores in Minneapolis. They bought a cabin in 2003 and enjoyed summers by the lake. They eventually sold their businesses, retired, and moved to a townhome in Alexandria in 2013. They enjoyed their fellowship at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Jan and Bob were married for 54 years, until Bob passed away in 2015.

March of 2020 brought some health issues, along with the pandemic, which required Jan to move in with her daughter Patti and son-in-law Tony in Chanhassen. She gradually got healthier and stronger and moved into Riley Crossing in April 2021. She thrived in her new community, making new and special friends, attending church gatherings, elegant dinners, playing bingo, as well as having countless meals together.

Jan was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and would reference it as she declared, “I am not stubborn. I am determined!.” Making lefse was a favorite pastime, especially with her sister-in-law, Verna Erickson. The last few years, she enjoyed hosting a lively lefse party during the holiday season, with intention of passing on her perfected craft to her beloved daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Jim and Paul taught Jan the ins and outs of football and one of Jan’s favorite things was cheering on the Minnesota Vikings! She wore her “lucky” sweatshirt for every game.

Jan absolutely adored spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and grand pups. The grands have the best memories staying at grandpa and grandma’s house.

Jan was a kind, gentle and caring lady with a strong faith in God and trust in Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Jan passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family. She was loved by all and will be dearly missed.

Jan is survived by: her four children Jeanie Dreger, Patti (Tony) Ferguson, Jim (Rochelle) Davis and Paul Davis; brother Jim Erickson; brother-in-law Ronnie (Alice) Davis; grandchildren Amy (Oskars) Dreger, Tim (Amber) Dreger, Kayla (Brad) Davison, Joey (Rachael) Ferguson, Trey Davis, Joslyn Davis, and Gage Davis; great grandchildren Addilynn Dreger, Kaylee Dreger, Bergen Stucis, Aksel Stucis, Hope Davison, Elena Davison, Beau Ferguson, Rosie Ferguson; many wonderful nieces, nephews and special friends.

Preceded in death by: her parents Axel and Elizabeth Erickson; brothers Robert Erickson and Ray Erickson; two infant brothers; sisters-in-law Lorna Erickson, Marie Erickson and Verna Erickson; in-laws Tex Davis, Eliza Davis; brother-in-law John Davis; sisters-in-law Anita Tinjum and Mary Davidson; infant great granddaughter Quinn Davison; and many other relatives.

The family wishes to thank Ridgeview Hospice and Riley Crossing for their wonderful love and care.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family will give memorials to Someplace Safe and other women’s shelters.