Janice Lee JOHNSON

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Death Certificate: 2005-MN-036280

Notes:

Of Los Angeles at the time of her mother’s death.

Her last residence was Duluth. Her last benefit was paid to North Hills in Los Angeles County, California.

Her Social Security number was issued in Minnesota in 1952.

Janice Lee (Johnson) Shrader joined her husband and two daughters on Dec. 16, 2005. Jan was born June 18, 1936 in Duluth, Minn., to Walter and Marion Johnson. She was raised in a loving family with three siblings and her grandmother. Jan graduated from Central High School in 1954. She was active in many clubs and organizations during her high school years. Following high school, Jan moved to St. Paul where she completed her certificate for Food Technician at the University of Minnesota. Then love walked into her life. After a six week romance, Janice married Robert Dean Shrader on Sept. 6, 1955. Bob and Jan started their married live in Iowa and by 1960 had three daughters, Cheryl Lyn, Cindy Lee, and Kimberly Ann. Unfortunate accidents took Cindy and Kim in 1962. Moving to California in 1964 provided a new beginning for Jan, Bob and Cheryl. Son, Robert Craig was born in 1965. Maintaining contact with family and friends was important to Jan, so annual family vacations to the Midwest was a must. In 1973 Janice returned to school and studied graphic arts design. Due to her eye for detail and excellent work ethics whe was employed by a variety of companies. Jan and Bob enjoyed 28 years in California before his death in 1992. They loved their friends, entertained frequently and traveled. Everyone was welcomed in their home. They were married 36 years. In 1993 Janice returned to her favorite city, Duluth. Hoping to reconnect with fellow 1954 Central High School graduates, she organized 'The Girls', a monthly get together that still continues today. Jan cared passionately about others. Since her return to Duluth, Janice has been on the planning committee for Central High School reunions. She was a member of the Beta Iota Chapter 4402 of Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority. Jan was one of the organizers of the 2004 Founder's Day Celebration. Jan was a founding member of the Central Preservation Committee. She was proud of her work on the 1890's Classroom Museum and her goal was to raise enough money to provide street signage for her beloved Central High School. She was an enthusiastic member of 'The Ladies of Hawkins Street'. Jan also belonged to the Red Hats Society, Duluth Dames Chapter, where she was known as the 'Hot Tamale'. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, auntie and friend. She treated everyone with kindness and always made you feel special. She put the well-being of others over her own needs and desires. She enjoyed visiting family and friends, traveling, meeting new people, and was a life long learner. Whenever she walked into a room she lit it up. Financial independence was important to her and clipping coupons was another passion. We are all better individuals for knowing her, and will miss her deeply. Janice is survived by her loving children, Robert Shrader, Cheryl Shrader-Bogen and Jon Bogen; her devoted siblings, Dennis and Muriel Johnson, Gail and Dale Carlson, Bill and Sharon Johnson; grandchildren, Chris, Ellen, Kelsey, and Erica who thought the world of their gramma Jan; many nieces and nephews who fondly called her auntie Jan; her extended family members and many friends. MEMORIAL SERVICE:10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006 in First Memorial Funeral Chapel, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth, Minn. Private interment in Iowa City, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Jan Shrader Memorial Fund, in care of Cheryl Shrader-Bogen at 5101 Queen Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55410. All donations received will be forwarded to the Central Preservation Committee designated for outdoor signage of Historic Central High School.

Janice married Robert Dean SHRADER on 6 Sep 1955. Robert (son of Elias J SHRADER and Anna M PARIZEK) was born on 22 Jul 1931 in Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa; died on 14 Jul 1992 in Los Angeles County, California; was buried in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She suffered minor injuries in the accident that led to the death of her sister in July of 1962.

She died in a fire at the home of great aunt when a Christmas tree exploded into flames.

From the Iowa City newspaper, December 31, 1962:

A family holiday gathering of 13 persons Sunday night turned into a night of horror as four of them perished in a fire that destroyed a farm home five miles southeast of Iowa City.

Dead are Mrs. Laura Aicher, 41, two of her daughters, Debra Susan, 8, and Barbara Jean, 5, and Cindy Schrader, 5, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schrader of Cedar Rapids. Cindy was a grandniece of Mrs. Aicher. Mrs. Aicher was trying to rescue the children, who were trapped in a bedroom, when she became trapped herself. Mrs. Aicher’s husband, Harry, 43, suffered deep burns on the hands and face. He is in fair condition today. Another daughter, Mrs. Terri Lynn Dolphin of South Dubuque Street, suffered facial burns and was treated at Mercy hospital.

Surviving members of the family said that the fire started avout 7:45 p.m. in a Christmas tree in the living room, then spread to drapes behind the tree almost immediately. It was a matter of just a second or two, said Cindy’s grandmother. Mrs. Aicher and the girls were trapped in a northwest bedroom that ajoins the living room of the brick frame home.

Their bodies, burned beyon recognition, were found by t firemen between midnight and 12:30 a.m. today after the fire was brought under control. The children’s bodies were huddled below a window sill next to a bed and Mrs. Aicher’s body was at the foot of the bed. Firemen said it appeared as though all died of suffocation soon after the fire began.

Notes:

Died after being run over by a mail truck.