Obituary of Jeanette (Jan) Gardonio Wilson

Jeanette (Jan) Gardonio Wilson, lifetime Duluth resident, passed away December 2 at Villa Maria Nursing Home in Fargo, North Dakota. She was born in Duluth on January 26, 1930 to David and Josephine Gardonio. Jan graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1947. She worked at Elliott Meat Packing Plant where she met and married her husband Bill in 1953. Jan retired from Independent School District #709 after 21 years as a Secretary for Morgan Park High School. She will be remembered for her great contribution to the school and the community. Jan helped organize the Women's Softball League of Duluth in 1949 and played for Gary-New Duluth, winning the City championship that same year. She was a member of the Gary-New Duluth Community Club, lifetime member of the PTSA and a member of the Board of Directors at Duluth Teachers Credit Union. Jan had lifelong friendships in Duluth including the women of The First Wives Club and teachers/staff at Morgan Park High School. She is survived by her husband William (Bill) of 65 years, sons Bill (Helen), Paul (Pam) and daughter Claudia (Brent) Kauth. She is greatly loved by her six grandchildren: Alyssa, Lauryn, Adam, Michael, Andy and Katie, her four great grandchildren: Eloise, Thomas, Madison and Lincoln, and her cousin Mary Ann (Gardonio) Boyat, plus many nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by all. She was preceded in death by her father David, mother Josephine, brothers Tony and David, and sister Lorrayne. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, January 19 from 10:00-12:00 pm at the Cremation Society of Minnesota located at 4100 Grand Avenue in Duluth. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Diabetes Association.