Janyce Baustian

JANYCE ADELIA BAUSTIAN was born on March 13, 1943 to Arthur and Esther (Peterson) Braa in Luverne, Minnesota. She was baptized on April 8, 1943 at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Edgerton, Minnesota. She was confirmed on June 9, 1957 at Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, Minnesota. She was raised on a farm north of Hardwick and graduated from Luverne High School in 1961. She went to school to become a LPN. On January 27, 1963, she was united in marriage to Howard Baustian at Zion Lutheran Church. The couple lived in Rapid City, South Dakota for several years, then Garretson, South Dakota, and returned home and settled in Hardwick in 1970. Along with raising their two sons, Jan worked various part time jobs. She continued to further her education and in 1992 received her Associate’s degree in Nursing. She became a RN at the State penitentiary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After a number of years she made the move to work as a RN at The Oaks and Poplar Creek retirement community in Luverne. She recently retired but remained active playing cards, caring for her neighbors, drinking coffee, watching birds and tending to her yard. On September 19, 2017, Jan died at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls at the age of 74 years, 6 months, and 6 days.

Jan was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick. She served on the Hardwick City Council and was twice appointed mayor of the town. She was a member of the Hardwick Mother’s Club and Legion Auxiliary. She belonged to several card clubs and enjoyed shopping and socializing. She loved her family and attending her grandson’s basketball games. Jan was an encourager and always showed love and support to others.

Jan will be lovingly remembered by her children, Anthony (Weldine Johnson) Baustian of Rapid City and Donald Baustian of Luverne; grandchildren, Lyndon, Nehemiah, Makijah and Uriaha Baustian and Collin Johnson; siblings, Emery Braa of Virginia Beach, VA, Arthur (Elaine) Braa of Rapid City and Lewy (Laural) Braa of Sioux Falls; and her sisters-in law, Carol Braa of Garretson and Marian Braa of Luverne. She was preceded in death by her husband; her granddaughter, Lindsay Baustian; parents; brothers, Donald, Kermit and Charles Braa; and a sister, Reva Braa.