Janice Elaine Smith

Janice “Jan” E. Smith, age 82, of Alexandria, died on Monday, June 23, 2025, peacefully surrounded by her family, at her home, under the care of Vivie Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Alexandria Covenant Church in Alexandria with Rev. Gregg Donnelly presiding. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Alexandria.

A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.

Janice Elaine was born on February 14, 1943, to Robert and Angie (Hoogeveen) Gort in Cherokee, Oklahoma. She was raised in Prinsburg, where she attended Central Minnesota Christian School. Jan was united in marriage to Roger Smith on August 13, 1960, in Kandiyohi County. Following their marriage, they settled in Alexandria in 1965, where they raised their three children. Jan worked at Pearl Jobbing, Martin’s Grocery, and Donnelly Plastic before joining Alexandria Extrusion. She retired in July of 2008 after 30 years of service, fulfilling a successful career that she enjoyed and where she made lifelong friends. Her hobbies included knitting, embroidery, sewing, and reading. Jan’s faith was important to her. She was a founding member of Faith Community Church, a former member of Osakis Presbyterian Church, and a current member of Alexandria Covenant Church. She was also involved with the Koffee Kare group, which she enjoyed very much.She loved spending time with her family and loved them dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger, in 2015; and her brother, Vern Gort.

Jan is survived by her sons, Brad (Shari) Smith of Alexandria and Brian (Cammie) Smith of Port Charlotte, Florida; daughter, Barb (Jay) Busch of Park Rapids; sisters, Erna (Gary) Fedders and Arlys (Ken) Westra; sister-in-law, Elaine Gort; brother-in-law, Darrell Smith; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many special friends.

Urn bearers are her granddaughters: Erin Lucas, Brinn Busch, and McKenna Kari.

Honorary bearers will be the members of the Koffee Kare Group.

Memorials may be directed to Vivie Hospice or Alexandria Covenant Church.