Obituary of Elizabeth Janet Josal

Elizabeth Janet (Robertson) Josal Josal, Elizabeth Janet (Robertson) Passed away December 20, 2015. Born July 9, 1921 to David J. and Margaret Forrest (Axon) Robertson in Sioux Falls, S.D. Preceded in death by husband of 65 years, Wendell J. Josal (Prof. Emeritus U of M, Dept. of Theatre and Dance); nephew Chris Miller and many beloved relatives and friends. Attended school in Laramie, WY and Jamestown ND. Received BA in English from Jamestown College (University) where she was a Beta Zeta, Jimmie Jane, Homecoming Queen and active in dramatics. She won a scholarship to the Priscilla Beach Summer Theatre in Plymouth, MA. She studied acting and worked in radio in NYC, was program director for WIBU, Madison, WI before returning to ND to become a founding member of the Prairie Players, a touring theatre company operating out of Jamestown College for 5 summers. She taught English/ Drama in Mandan and Bismarck and at Roycemore Girl's School, Evanston, IL and substitute taught in Mpls. Elizabeth was a co-founder and the Box Office Manager of the Stagecoach Players, a theatre which produced melodramas with olios in the opera house of the Stagecoach complex in Shakopee, MN for 18 summers. She was an active supporter of the U of M theatre community, member of the Faculty Women's Club and a volunteer. In retirement she traveled, enjoyed time with friends and worked at Antiques Minnesota where she also operated an antique business. Elizabeth was a vibrant, intelligent woman, who dispute a nearly 20 year struggle with Alzheimer's retained her charm, grace, humor and beautiful smile. Survived by daughter Margaret Josal (Stephen Freund, Adam Freund); brother David J. Robertson; sister-in-law Margaret (Dan) Miller; nephews Thomas and William (Elizabeth) Robertson, Mike (Ellese) and Scott (Juli, Scotty) Miller. A celebration of Elizabeth's life will be held at The Waters on 50th (3500 50th St. W., Mpls.) on December 30, 2015 3 PM. Memorials preferred to the Wendell and Elizabeth Josal Scholarship in Theatre (Jamestown University), the Wendell and Elizabeth Josal Travel Fund (U of M Foundation) or donor's choice.