Janet Waara

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Sunday, September 11, 2005
at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City at the age of 59

Janet I. Fortune was born February 6, 1946, in Wall, South Dakota, the daughter of Howard and Irene (Clements) Fortune. She grew up on a ranch east of Quinn, and attended 1st through 5th grade in Quinn, before going to Philip, where she graduated in 1964. After graduation, she attended Black Hills College in Spearfish and later graduated from Professional Business Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota as a lab technician. She then worked in Minneapolis in OBGYN and as a lab tech.

Janet was united in marriage to Raymond Rotzien on August 2, 1969, in Minneapolis, and to this union were born three children: Michael, Catherine, and Laura. They made their home in Minneapolis before moving back to Philip in February 1988, where people loved her.

While in Philip, Janet managed the Thunderbird Motel. In September 1990, she entered the Addiction Recovery Center in Rapid City, and was proud of her new way of life. She then started her domestic work in the Philip area.

Janet was united in marriage to Boyd Waara on December 8, 1992 in Philip. They continued to make their home in Philip, where she continued her domestic work until retiring in 1997 due to health reasons.

Janet was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip where she served on the parish council, taught CCD and was the CCD coordinator for the last ten years, and cleaned the church until 2001. Church was a very important part of her life, and the most important person in her life was her mother.

Grateful for having shared her life include her husband Boyd Waara of Philip; a son Michael Rotzien of Winthrop, Minnesota; two daughters Catherine Wirkus and her husband Mark of Black Hawk, and Laura Rotzien of Rapid City; two grandchildren Brad and Molly Wirkus; two step-sons Clint Waara and his wife Billie Jo of Ft. Pierre, and Lee Waara of Spearfish; her mother Irene Fortune of Quinn; five sister Kay Williams of Philip, Judy Harrington and her husband Dan of Gresham, Oregon, Billie Hett and her husband Don of Buffalo, Pam Fortune of Livingston, New Jersey, and Mary Lou Guptill and her husband Pat of Quinn; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Janet was preceded in death by her father and one brother Scott Fortune.

Visitation was held Tuesday, September 13, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a vigil services at 7:00 p.m., all at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 14, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Ron Garry and Father Arnold Kari as celebrants.

Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

A memorial is established.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Wednesday, September 14, 2005 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CELEBRANTS
Father Ron Garry
Father Arnold Kari

MUSIC
Marianne Frein – Organist
Barb Bowen-Maureen Palecek – Vocalists
"I Can Only Imagine"
"Lead Me, Lord"
"On Eagles' Wings"
"Lord, You Have Come to the Seashore"
"Loving and Forgiving"
"We Shall Rise Again"

LECTOR
Rita O’Connell

ALTAR SERVERS
Troy Guptill – Tate Guptill

USHERS
Sonny LaBeau – Denny Kennedy – Fritz Kroetch

ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
Don Nixon – Delane Nixon
Mick Mortellaro – Jeff Nelson
Kelly Fortune – Carl Clements
Bob Clements – Verlyn Louison

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Service Details

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Wednesday, September 14, 2005 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

Guest Book

Not a day goes by that I don't miss you terribly, I know that some day when I have kids they'll do something and I'll think "that was Grandma Janet." But now I feel lonely without you. I still pick up the phone to call you and it's been 10 months. I can't believe it. I know that you're still close by me and I'll never forget you. You were always worried about us forgetting you but you'll always be my mom and I'll always be your baby girl. I miss you mom. I miss your hugs, kisses and your laughter. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, keep Jesus, Mary and the angels laughing until I get there and you better be dancing. You truly are beautiful. Laura
   ~ Laura . (9/11/2005)
I am sorry to hear about your mom.
Love,

   ~ Michele Dryden and Family Bloomington, MN (9/11/2005)
Dear Michael, Catherine and Laura,
Your mom was my sister-in-law for 18 years but my friend for much longer. My deepest sympathy for your loss of your mother at such a young age. Janet had a wonderful sense of humor and could always make me laugh. When I came to visit she welcomed me into her home and we shared late nights talking, laughing and crying. She will be missed by many but remembered by all.
All my love to you in your time of mourning.
Love,
Auntie Faye

   ~ Faye (Rotzien) Roy Bloomington, MN (9/11/2005)
Dear Boyd and family,

Read your comments in the paper and wanted to tell you they touched our heart. There was a wealth of good advice in a small space. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Janet's courage and spirit touched everyone, and her family's devotion was an inspiration.

   ~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler 24080 Fairview Rd., Philip, SD (9/11/2005)
My thoughts and prayers are with Janet's family in this time of sorrow. I will always have fond memories of Janet, that go back to high school days and continued into our adult lives. Janet was my son Darin's Godmother, and they are now together in heaven, smiling down on family and friends, wishing us peace.
   ~ Becky Logsdon Cheyenne, WY (9/11/2005)
Janet, with her infectious laugh and twinkle in her eye. I will always remember what fun times we had. My sympathies to all her family and friends. She was such a fighter. .
   ~ Susan (McKay) Bandel 1905 Mt. Isle Harobor Drive, Charlotte, NC (9/11/2005)
Boyd,

I did not know Janet but from what I hear she was a great fighter and a wonderful person. My thoughts, prayers, and support are with you.

   ~ Dan Cross 625 Harvard Street, Spearfish, SD 57783 (9/11/2005)
What a fighter! Janet was synonymous with fighting her own body's problems - and doing it all with such a great attitude! Our kids think of her as an encourager, a strong lady, from her testimonials that she gave at the school. When I think of her I see her smiling always... I also can hear her cheering on the track runners at the track meets though! The Philip kids biggest fan! She comes from a whole family of great ladies - led by quite the example, Irene. You are all loved by many. So to Irene, Kay, Judy, Billie, Pam, Mary Lou, Laura, Catherine, Michael, Boyd, & all the rest of the family, take heart in knowing she left such a positive influence on all who knew her, & you were all a part in shaping who she was... and she a part of shaping you... Keep ever near the memories, they will last you forever. And she is finally free of pain & still smiling, but down from heaven now. God bless you all & we all feel privileged having shared some small way in the life of Janet.
Love to you,
Kieth, Deb,
Tucker, Chancie, Cassidy, Lincoln, & Colby

   ~ Kieth & Deb Smith & Family Philip, SD (9/11/2005)
You are all in my thought and prayers.
   ~ Dustin Peterson Sioux Falls, SD (9/11/2005)
The first time I met Janet was when she, Marianne Frien(now), Barb Jones and I went to a polka mass at Winner many years ago. We sang in the choir, it was such fun. Father Kari and his music could make those toes start tapping. What a fun, fun trip that was! I laughed so much my sides hurt. Anyone who knows Janet knows she had that affect on a person. I cherished that time for many years and always had to laugh when I remembered the stories. Janet was a blessing to all who knew her. Life did not deal her a bed of roses but she didn't sit around full of self pity. She picked herself up and made others feel better just being around her. I know her passing has left a whole in your heart and a peace that she is free and up there in heaven singing and laughing with the angels. God bless her and God be with you! Sonia
   ~ Sonia Nemec Midland, SD (9/11/2005)
Boyd and Family,

Janet was a such a terrific person. She will be missed by all. I enjoyed the times we got to spent together and was so glad I got to spend time with all of you in Pierre, boating and supper, a few weeks ago. Thank you for the enjoyable evening.

My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you.

   ~ Kari Porch Pierre, SD (9/11/2005)
An inspiration to us all. A beautiful smile & wonderful laugh. courage,strength & faith that most of us will never have. Will be missed by so many. But God has acquired a very special Angel. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Love, Steve & Pam

   ~ Steve & Pam Clements Philip, SD (9/11/2005)
Boyd and family:
Please accept our condolences as you go through difficult times. We are here to support, guide and nurture through all challenges.
Fred

   ~ Fred Romkema Northern Hills Training Center, Spearfish, SD (9/11/2005)
We were sorry to hear about Janet. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
   ~ Grant Seaman Warner, SD (9/11/2005)
Janet was such spark in the Fortune family! She will be truly missed and remembered! God Bless you!
   ~ Shelia Trask Wasta, SD (9/11/2005)
My deepest sympathies go out to all of you. Janet was a truly self-less and wonderful person. She was a breath of fresh air as she breezed by each one of us with a smile. We were truly blessed to have had her in our presence for so long.
   ~ Karri Buck Midland, SD (9/11/2005)
Prayers and condolences to all of Janet's family. What a fighter!
   ~ Eleanor & Chuck Zuccaro Midland, SD (9/11/2005)
Body, Janet, Michael, Catherine, Laura, Irene, and family:

I don't have to remind you that Janet was special and a special Angel for God. When Dad told me the news and whenever I think of Janet, I just here that wonderful laugh and remember how much she loved her kids and family. My prayers are with you.

Kara

   ~ Kara Gittings Moriarty Anchorage, AK (9/11/2005)
What a special lady. Always enjoyed visiting with Janet. She was always so up beat and such a good sense of humor. She will be missed. She is at peace and will be your guardian angel. Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. Ralph&Cathy Fiedler & family
   ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St. Lot 4, Sturgis, SD (9/11/2005)
Boyd and Family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. May peace be with you.
   ~ Gwen Carlstrom NHTC - Spearfish, SD (9/11/2005)
We are so sorry about Janet! She fought a hard battle, and now she can finally rest. She is with her Lord, now. And I will bet she is singing like you wouldn't believe. I remember when she, Sue Heltzel, and I would clean the Catholic Church, she would put, a tape in and sing like crazy with it!!!) Our prayers are with all of you now, God Bless!!!!!
   ~ Terri Pelle & Jim Nickelson P.O. Box 742, Philip, SD 57567 (9/11/2005)
The Parrotheads will miss you, Janet. I feel blessed that we could share the Labor Day weekend with you and Boyd. Thanks for being our friend.
   ~ Deb Gates Pierre, SD (9/11/2005)
Thinking about you guys. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Janet was such a nice lady and just remember she is in a happy place shining down on you and thinking of you. take care and God Bless!
   ~ Darcy Swift Sioux Falls, SD (9/11/2005)
My heart goes out to the whole family. Janet was a very special woman and left a legacy to Philip. She showed such courage and was a very special messenger of God. We would all like to leave a message behind when we pass, and Janet did just that. Her message to all who knew her was that with God all things are possible. She took the struggles that were given to her and gave others hope of conquering whatever may come their way. I feel so blessed for knowing Janet. My only regret is that I didn't spend more time with her. I feel very selfish at this time, but I do know that Janet understands at this time and knows all!!!!

You have all been blessed to have had Janet as your spiritual guide on this earth. What a special gift for you all!!!

My prayers are with you,

Roxy Formanek

   ~ Roxy Formanek Philip, SD (9/11/2005)
Good bye my sister and my wonderful friend. You could always make me laugh (and set me straight) Happy trails.....until we meet again. I will always love you. Billie
   ~ Billie Hett Buffalo, SD (9/11/2005)
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. It was always a joy to get to visit with Janet when I would be in Philip. She always put a smile on my face by just smiling herself. Wish I could be there with you.
With Sympathy,
Natasha (Schofield) Eisenbraun

   ~ Natasha Eisenbraun Wright, Wyoming (9/11/2005)
.
   ~ Julie Nixon 22401 Deadman Creek Rd., Philip, SD 57567 (9/11/2005)
Catherine and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Will never forget Janet's beautiful smile and contagious laugh. Now Heaven has a New Angel. God Bless You
Our Deepest Condolences,
Erica, Roger, and Val Williams

   ~ Erica, Roger, & Val Williams PO Box 74, Philip, SD 57567 (9/11/2005)
Janet's friends & family, especially Laura,

Just wanted to say that we are thinking about you all as you are going through this difficult time. God will be with you all as he has always been with Janet. She was an amazing woman and will be greatly missed by all. Just remember that she is in a better place now free of any pain. Hold on to each other for strength and God will bring you through this.

God Bless

   ~ Adreann & Bob Kerr Sioux Falls, SD (9/11/2005)
I feel blessed to have known her.
   ~ Tom Holdhusen Ipswich, SD (9/11/2005)
Janet will be missed by both family and friends. I am thinking of all of you and wish I could be there.
   ~ Debbie Schofield Gillette, WY (9/11/2005)
What a "DIAMOND" you were in life!!! That great & wonderful laugh!
Heaven will be a "hoppin" place with you, your dad, Cass, Raymond, Verle & John!! Glory be! What a party!
Boyd & family, we are thinking of you.

   ~ Connie (Clements) Richards 274 Jacolyn Dr. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 (9/11/2005)
Our sincere sympathy to the entire Fortune family.
   ~ Larry and Barbara Byrne Sundance, WY (9/11/2005)
Janet was a very special person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
   ~ Dave & Karen Webb Rapid City, SD (9/11/2005)
Boyd & family, May God watch over you through this difficult time.
   ~ Kent & Jodi Baumberger Timber Lake, SD (9/11/2005)
I will miss Janet and taking care of her. I was glad to have met her, she could always make you smile. May god be with you during this time.
   ~ Melanie Acosta Philip, SD (9/11/2005)

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