Janet A. Probst, age 91 died Friday, August 15, 2025 at her home in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Janet Ann Probst was born in 1933 to Harry and Myrtle (Hastad) Kelly in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.  Jan graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1951 and married Edmund J. Probst in 1953 and became the proud parents of four daughters.  Grand Rapids continued to be their home except for moving to Alaska for nearly a year while Edmund worked building the road to McKinley Park.

Jan worked at ISD 318 as a cook for more than 30 years and also cleaned cabins at resorts for extra income.  She enjoyed playing BINGO at the VFW, and other games such as Bunco and Texas Holdem. She enjoyed baking and at Christmas time, she had special Christmas cookies for all her grandchildren. Watching Westerns, episodes of Gunsmoke, and Perry Mason reruns occupied lots of her time.  She was an accomplished seamstress.  Spending time with friends visiting and sharing stories made her happy.  She had the greatest sense of humor and unforgettable laughter that will always be remembered. Jan was an active member of the VFW Auxiliary, The Variety Club, and Wendigo Community Club.

Following retirement, Jan and Edmund enjoyed traveling especially to visit their daughters, Jody in Montana and Pam in Grand Portage, Minnesota.  They also enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada and to Baudette, Minnesota a favorite place to fish.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Edmund; their daughter, Kim as a young little girl; and her parents.  Jan will be deeply missed by her daughters, Denise (James) Martin of Osceola, WI, Jody (James) Dowell of Livingston, MT; and Pam Norris of Grand Rapids, MN; 5 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will take place at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Itasca Calvary Cemetery followed by lunch and sharing of stories at the VFW Post 1720, 1212 NW 4th Street, Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

With the wind, I leave

So, when you remember me,

Think of the oceans, fields and mountains.

Think of the wind

That blows in the Spring

And you will know that I am free.