Janet Rose Magnuson, 67 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away after bravely fighting a five-year battle with cancer, on Sunday, September 1, 2024. She was born November 7, 1956, in Mendota, IL to Rosemary (Younglove) Lieving. Janet graduated from La Moille High School in Illinois. She was very active in her community as a member of the Valparaiso Women’s Club, Porter County Master Gardeners, American Legion Post 502 in South Haven, and Superintendent of Flowers for the Porter County Fair. Janet also enjoyed volunteering as a scorekeeper for the Valparaiso High School Gymnastics team, playing euchre with her card club, and making elaborate gingerbread houses. She was talented with gardening, crafting, and sewing, making beautiful quilts, and remarkable dresses for little girls. Janet had a big heart and a passion to help those in need. She was a fighter and a force to be reckoned with. Her feisty personality, caring nature, and strength through adversity will be remembered by her family and friends. Janet will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
On December 7, 1974, in Mendota, IL, Janet married Neil Magnuson, who preceded her in death in 2020. She is survived by their daughters: Jennifer Magnuson of Valparaiso, IN, and Jill (Joe) DiGiorgio of Greenfield, WI; grandchildren: Victora Magnuson, Jacob, Joey, and Lucia DiGiorgio; companion, Frank VanAutreve; siblings: Peggy (Mark) McMurray, and Jeff (Mary) Schwartz; stepfather, Herm Lieving; found family, Alberta and Wayne Cretsinger; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosemary Lieving; and brother, Doug Schwartz.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, IN. Janet will be laid to rest privately at Mendota Lutheran Cemetery in Mendota, IL on Saturday. Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post 502, 429 West 750 North, South Haven, IN 46383.
GUESTBOOK
Janet, you will be so greatly missed by all, especially those who participated in the Porter County Fair Flower Show and we master gardeners. Working the fair this year like the real trooper you are. And not one to shirk your responsibilities as superintendent--even to the end when so ill--assigning another to report Show stats to me for our newsletter. I am so very sad you're gone. So brave. So strong. Such a responsible and considerate leader. Most awesome Gingerbread House creator! So many memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love you my dear Master Gardener friend. -Suzanna L Tudor
The family has my deepest sympathies during this time of loss. Remember Jane for all the things she accomplished and the causes and organizations she not only supported but participated in. -Steve Jadrnak
