Janice Elaine Ecklund of Sandstone, MN passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was 82 years old.

Janice Elaine Ecklund died peacefully on May 3, 2026. Jan was born in Askov Minnesota to Albert and Minnie Thomsen. She lived in Askov and was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Jan attended Askov High School and graduated in 1961 and attended Minneapolis Business College and graduated with an associate's degree in administrative services in 1962. She worked as the Accountant for Askov Veterinary Clinic which became Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic and retired in 1996.

Jan married Allen Ecklund in June of 1963 and they had four children, who they raised in their home in Askov. After marriage, she was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and served various times as a Sunday school and confirmation teacher, worship and music member, choir and led the annual Labor Day Dinner and Action fundraiser. She was also a member of the Pine Medical Board, Chair of the Auxiliary Board for the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Askov Fair Board.

Jan enjoyed many years with her family fishing and camping. Jan loved spending time with her children and grandchildren at the cabin.

Jan was preceded in death by her loving husband Dr. Allen Ecklund in 2017, parents Minnie in 1978 and Albert in 1991, her brothers Robert in 1990, Darrell in 2008, Tom in 2011, Howard in 2014, Dwain in 2019, and her sisters Nola in 2014, Anita in 2021, LaVonne 2022, and Mona in 2024.

Jan is survived by, her children Anthony (Connie) of Bruno Minnesota, and children Elizabeth, Matthew, Erika and Kirsten; Douglas (Wendy) of Bruno Minnesota and children Nathaniel and Nicholas; Dwain (Melissa) of Willow River Minnesota and children Simon and Sophia; and Frederik (Kathryn) of Edina Minnesota and children Anika and Nora; great grandchildren Addyson, Liam, Laikyn, Finley, Maverik, Ezra, Nakoa, Walker, Theodore and Charlotte. Jan is also survived by her brother, Arlin (Cathy) Thomsen and niece Linda (Ovid) Jensen. Jan has numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Clara Edin, S.A.M. officiating. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church and also on Wednesday evening from 5pm to 7pm at the Methven Funeral Home chapel in Sandstone, MN. Burial will take place at the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery following the service on Thursday.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church Building Fund, Askov, MN and the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.