Janice Lorraine Ennen

Janice Ennen, age 89, of Herman, MN passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023 at Touchmark Memory Care in Fargo, ND. Her health had been declining for several years due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Janice Lorraine Benson was born December 25, 1933 to Harry and Ferne (Thompson) Benson near Kanawha, IA. Jan moved with her parents in 1946 to their farm near Norcross, MN. In 1951, she graduated from Herman High School and was united in marriage to Arnold Ennen on July 6, 1951. Jan and Arnold had more than 68 years together before Arnold passed away January 17, 2020.

Jan worked as a typesetter for the local newspaper office of The Herman Review in the early 1950s. Her next occupation was as farm wife and Mom. From 1953 through 1961, children Chuck, Marilu, Dale and Amy joined the family of Jan and Arnold Ennen. They resided on the Ennen family farm near Herman, MN. Jan had many, many jobs on the farm: raising kids, yard work, tending to her garden and canning its produce, sewing and mending were a few of them.

In the 1970s, Jan had a keen interest in learning to weave rag rugs on a floor loom. Her talent at this craft led to her home-based business Rags to Rugs. For about 40 years, before retiring, Jan wove thousands of floor rugs, placemats and table runners and was known locally as “The Rug Lady.” She sold her products at craft shows and from her Rags to Rugs Shop at the farm.

Jan also enjoyed visiting with friends and family. Music brought her joy, whether singing along or just listening. Old-time toe-tapping tunes and gospel hymns were her favorites.

Jan is survived by her children: Chuck Ennen, Hoffman, MN; Marilu (Bruce) Person, Hillsboro, ND; Dale (Jeanne) Ennen, Donnelly, MN; Amy (Gregg) Monson, Hawley, MN. Also surviving are grandsons: Daniel (Katie) Ennen; Brian (Laura) Ennen; Peter (Carrie Holly) Monson; and Daley (Emily) Monson; one step-granddaughter Tammy (Diep) Doan; seven great-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren; one sister Karen (Mike) Mehok, Minneapolis, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband Arnold, her parents and Arnold’s parents, sister Ardelle Veldhouse and her husband Duane, sister-in-law Evelyn and her husband Bob Arnold.

Celebration of Janice and Arnold Ennen’s lives will be held Monday, May 22, 2023 at 2 PM at Herman United Methodist Church with Pastor Heather E. Klason officiating. Visitation is at the Church, Sunday, May 21 from 5-7 PM and one hour before the service on Monday.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.