Janice A. (Swanson) Friedlund

Janice A (Swanson) Friedlund died peacefully on August 21, 2023, at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family who held her hands as she left this world and went on to Glory.

Jan was born on September 8, 1940, in Streator, IL to parents Carl and Elsie Swanson. Jan graduated from Streator High School in 1958, and Northern Illinois Teachers College in 1962. Jan began her teaching career in Hinckley, IL. in the fall of 1962.  She took time off to raise a family, and in 1978, she answered that call once again and began teaching 2nd grade at St. Mary's School in DeKalb. After spending eight years at St. Mary's, Jan began a new career at Northern Illinois University Founders Library, where she worked until her retirement in 1997.

Jan married the love of her life, Richard (Rich) Friedlund on August 5, 1961. Rich and Jan celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary just weeks prior to her death. Their love for one another was the envy of many and created an enduring legacy now four generations strong. In their earlier years of marriage, Jan spent many years following their boys to the county fair where she was the official tail groomer for every show calf, and where she always made sure her family had their favorite sandwiches to eat.

The true joy of Jan's life was her family—namely her grandchildren. In her years of retirement, she and Rich spent much of their time following grandchildren around to all of their sporting events and school activities. Wherever her grandchildren were, so was Jan. They will never forget her Scotcharoos, their Sunday popcorn nights, or all of the sleepovers/family get togethers that always involved hours of card games. In the rare moments that they weren't surrounded by family, Jan enjoyed travelling with Rich, as they visited friends and took in the sites across the country.

Jan enjoyed landscaping and gardening and took great pride in the yard and home that she and Rich created. She also loved to serve and spent a great deal of time volunteering at ElderCare Services and Kishwaukee Hospital. Jan was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, a 4-H leader of Pierce Jets Club, a member of Prairie Dames Home Extension, St. Mary's Catholic Church and St. Mary's Home and School Association.

Most importantly, Jan's faith was the center of who she was. A deeply devout Catholic, Jan's faith and trust in God not only got her through her most difficult days but is also the hope she leaves behind as family and friends know that she is finally Home.

Jan is survived by her forever love, Rich; their sons Scott (Marina), Greg (Ingrid), Mike (Anita); her brothers, , Richard (Kaye) Swanson of Tulsa, John "Kres" (Dawn) Swanson of Streator; brother in law Jerry " Red" Friedlund, sister in law Mary Hartmann;  her adoring grandchildren, Katie (Phil), Ali (Charlie), Claire (Tommy), Geneva (Matt), Ethan, Sarah (Andrew), Anna, Emma, Colin and Morgan; great-grandchildren, Grace, Grant, Griffin, Aurora, Adam, Joey, Camden, Sienna, Margaux, and Liam; many nieces and nephews and countless cherished relatives and friends. The family would also like to thank the staff at the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center for their loving care. Jan is preceded in death by brother-in-law Harry Friedlund Jr. and sister-in-law Bev Friedlund.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Finch Funeral Home. Due to the Corn Festival preparations downtown DeKalb the parking for the visitation will be east of the funeral home provided by Delano's Home Decorating.  A Catholic Mass will be held Friday, August 25, 2023, at 11:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb with Father Dean Russell officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family to be established at a later date.  Cremation will follow the funeral Mass at Finch Crematory and burial will be at a later date. All are welcome to attend as we honor and celebrate Jan's life and legacy. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.