Janice Marie Wagar passed away peacefully in her home in St. Paul on March 30, 2026 at the age of 85.

Janice was born August 8, 1940 in Madison, MN to Alfred and Lucille (Johnson) Latzke. The family eventually settled in Worthington, MN after living in California for a time, where Al worked to support the war effort. Janice spent her school years in Worthington where she enjoyed singing in the choir, participating in Journalism Club and serving on the Yearbook staff. In 1957 she was introduced to Raymond Wagar, whom she married on March 30, 1958. Jan and Ray had four children, Cindy, Brenda, Paula and Mark. Jan worked at the Campbell’s Soup plant in Worthington until the family moved to Fergus Falls, MN where they bought and ran the Murphy Motor Freight terminal from 1968 until 1980. Jan performed all of the secretarial and bookkeeping duties for the business.

Jan and Ray’s marriage ended in 1980. Jan then took a position at the reception desk at Fergus Falls Lake Region Hospital, where she enjoyed her work with patients, hospital staff and visitors. It is during her years here that she met Sue Wallington, who would become her life-long companion. In 1983 they moved to St. Paul, MN so Jan could achieve her dream of earning a college degree. She enrolled at Concordia College St. Paul in 1983 to pursue a degree in Communications. The highlight of her college years was her one year internship, working at KARE 11 television studio. In 1987 Jan proudly strode across the stage to accept her college degree. Jan eventually took a position with Minnesota Mutual Insurance, where she worked in claims processing and staff training. She enjoyed 15 years there, until her retirement in 2002.

Janice had many joys in life. She was an avid reader of science fiction.  She volunteered at the Fergus Falls Humane Society because of her undying love of animals. She instilled this love of animals in her kids, who brought home an array of stray and wild animals over the years. When the kids were young she orchestrated many family camping trips that created life long memories for everyone. She was a charter member of Hope Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls and volunteered often, while serving on various committees. She enjoyed traveling in her retirement. She was able to take trips to Iceland and England, and a long road trip to the Desert Southwest. Jan’s greatest loves in life though, were for her children and grandchildren. She once said, “If I had done things differently in life, the four people I love most in the world wouldn’t exist.” As Grandma, Jan felt it was her duty to spoil her grandchildren. She did this by indulging them with sweet and salty treats they didn’t often have at home, like M&M’s and Cheetos! She loved the Muppets and took whatever grandchildren were available to the latest Muppet movies.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Lucille Latzke, sister-in-law, Sandy (Robert) Latzke, son-in-law, Dave (Cindy) Nelson, and former husband Ray Wagar.

She is survived by brothers, Bob Latzke, Jim (Judy) Latzke, sister, Karen Luecke, children Cindy Nelson, Brenda (Steve) Ellingson, Paula (Bob) Ostendorf, Mark Wagar, grandchildren, Lindy Nelson, Allen Nelson, Aaron (Nicole) Christenson, Isaac (Desiree) Christenson, Jacob (Tory) Christenson, Sonja Ellingson, Samantha (Ethan) Ellingson-Fisher, Skylar (Laura) Ellingson, 13 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and her companion Sue Wallington.

A memorial service is being planned for July 11, 2026. Details will be available at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local Humane Society to honor Janice’s profound love and concern for animals.