JoAnn Michlitsch
JoAnn Michlitsch, age 77, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at Strand-Kjorsvig Living Center in Roslyn, S.D.
JoAnn Janice Janisch was born October 23, 1939 in Britton, S.D., to Rudolph and Cecelia Theresa (Tscherne) Janisch. She grew up in the Eden area, and as a youngster, was given the nickname, “Blondie,” a name that has stuck with her over the years. She attended her elementary grades in Marshall County country school, her middle school years in Eden before graduating from St. Joseph Catholic School in Grenville. After receiving her education, JoAnn worked in St. Paul, Minn., for the State Medical Association.
On July 2, 1960, JoAnn was united in marriage with Lyle Gene Michlitsch in Eden, S.D. They made their home on the same farm as his folks, Henry and Ethel Michlitsch. This was Ethel’s family (Samson) homestead. Together, they farmed and raised their family there, and still call it ‘home’.
JoAnn was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she had been active in the Altar Society, belonged to St. Jane Band and sang in the choir. She served as the secretary for the Catholic Order of Foresters for a number of years. As a farm wife, JoAnn raised and tended a large garden, and canned the produce for her family’s use. She also raised and butchered some 200 chickens annually. She was an excellent cook and baker and loved to go dancing with Lyle.
Scrapbooking was a favorite pastime of hers, which tied in well with her interest in genealogy and family history. JoAnn loved music, and enjoyed singing as well as listening to it. A real highlight of her life was being able to attend a Don Williams concert. Perhaps above all else, it was her grandchildren that brought her the greatest joy these past years. She relished in being able to attend as many of their activities as possible. And in turn, the grandchildren loved her, especially the large holiday meals that she would prepare.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband of 56 years, Lyle Michlitsch of Langford; her children: Cindy Michlitsch of Watertown, S.D., Duane Michlitsch of Langford, Janet (Donovan) Moschell of Wall, Judy (David) Hagen of Florence, S.D., James Michlitsch of Langford; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother and four sisters: Ursilla Stoltz of Elgin, Neb., Delphine Field of St. Paul, Minn., Raymond (Georgia) Janisch of Lake City, S.D., Norma Jane Fischer of St. Paul, Jalois (Richard) Klein of Sheboygan Falls, Wisc.; and several nieces, nephews and their families.
Preceding her in death were her parents; son, Paul; a grandson; and five brothers: Norbert, Clarence, Wilfred, Verlyn and Hilary Janisch
The Mass of Christian burial was held Monday, November 28, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eden, with Rev. Fr. Brian Simon and Rev. Fr. Albert Cizewski officiating. Burial followed in St. Michael’s Cemetery of rural Eden.
The Price Funeral Chapel of Britton, has been entrusted with JoAnn’s arrangements. An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.pricefuneralchapel. net.
Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Lyle Michlitsch – 43226 122nd Street – Langford, SD 57454.
