Janet Louise (Olander) Johnson

Janet Louise Olander Johnson of Hendersonville, North Carolina went to her heavenly home at the age of 92 on June 8, 2025 surrounded by her family, friends and caregivers. She was born on January 6, 1933 in Valley Springs, South Dakota to Verne and Caroline Shimer Olander.  She was raised on the family farm with her sister Vernette Peterson Hirlinger, who preceded her in death.  Jan was a member of Beaver Valley Lutheran Church where she played piano and sang in the choir.  She loved school, with special interest in literature and music and graduated as Summa Cum Laude. 

Jan attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN where she met her husband, G. Duane “Dewey” Johnson.  She obtained a bachelors degree in social work and minor in music. She worked with Lutheran Social Services in Dallas, Texas in the field of adoption. She directed choirs and music programs at Walnut Hill Lutheran Church in Dallas, TX and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Garland, TX where Dewey presided as minister. 

Jan and Dewey were very active in their retirement years, living at Lake Kiowa, Texas until 2007, and then moving to North Carolina to be closer to their children that had relocated to the Asheville, NC area.  Jan was known for her cheerful and upbeat personality and her love of music.  She continued to enjoy directing the choir at their retirement community,  Heritage Hills in Hendersonville, NC while Dewey crafted in the woodshop. They celebrated a wonderful life together and always said they wanted to die together.  Dewey passed just 3 months before Jan, but she met him at the Pearly Gates in time to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary together. 

Jan is survived by children, Jenell Wright (Wilson), Rene’ St.Clair (Steve), Linda Johnson-Hales, Steven Johnson (Kenya), 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26th at Nativity Lutheran Church in Arden, NC at 1 pm with Celebration of Life following at 3pm at Heritage Hills Community in Hendersonville, NC. 

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