Janice (Jan) Schwagerl Thornton was born June 12, 1919 in Browns Valley, Minnesota. She later moved with her family to Montevideo where she grew up. In 1947, she married Joe Thornton, who was studying law at the University of Minnesota. Later that year, Joe and Jan moved to Alexandria when Joe joined his father's law practice, Thornton & Thornton Law Office. Together they raised three children: Mike, Carol, and Nan.Jan was a loving and devoted wife and mother who actively participated in her children's school and extra-curricular activities. Her family always came first. She was active in the Alexandria Women's Club, St. Mary’s Church and Boy Scout activities. She enjoyed playing bridge and made many lifelong friends in bridge club. She loved music and dancing and was always ready for a twirl around the kitchen or a formal ball. Her style and good taste remained her signature all through her life.
Her husband, Joe, passed away in 1996. After living on Lake Le Homme Dieu for many years, Jan moved to Summerwood of Plymouth where she made many friends and kept the residents laughing. Jan was known for her quick wit and contagious good humor, and she always had a quip or a wisecrack that would send everyone into gales of laughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alma and Joe Schwagerl, her brother, Glenn, and her sister, Elaine. Jan is survived by her children Mike, Carol and Nan, her grandson Matthew, and her sister-in-law Elizabeth Thornton.
Funeral arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home of Alexandria, MN. Visitation and prayer service is Friday, January 24, 4-7 pm, at Anderson Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Church of St. Mary, Saturday, January 25, 11:00 am.
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