Janette “Jan” L. Blake
Janette “Jan” L. Blake, 73, of Dannebrog, went home to her Beloved Savior on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at CHI Health—St. Francis in Grand Island.
A celebration of Janette’s life with family greeting friends was held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Cairo.
Jacobsen- Greenway- Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul is assisting the family.
Janette was born on October 3, 1951, to James W. and Nellie F. (Simons) Nelson, in Grand Island. She graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1969. She was united in marriage to Jerry Blake, her childhood sweetheart, on July 31, 1969.
Jan enjoyed making the world a more beautiful place, from feeding the wildlife to planting flowers around the farm. Her hobbies included fishing and camping with her family, as well as gardening, baking, watching the eagles on the river, feeding the birds, crocheting, and taking care of anyone she came in contact with. She was unselfish and giving of her time to anyone in need, and the most hospitable person you would ever meet. No one ever left hungry!
She also volunteered her time with the church as the secretary for many years, was Grandma to many kids at Royal Family Kids Camp, and served on the Dannebrog Rescue Team for over twenty-five years.
She was employed by Principal Financial Group in Grand Island for ten years. In 1984, Jerry and Jan took over Oak Creek Supply, and they have worked together ever since. She loved her family and friends, loved Jesus even more, and shared the good news with everyone from family and friends to clerks at the store.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Jerry Blake of Dannebrog; son, Brian Blake of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Eric Prusa of Central City and Becky and Dustin Linden of Bellevue; brother, Jim Nelson of Aurora; sisters and brother-in-law, Judy and Steve Tunnell of Cambridge, Minnesota and Janice Wicht of St. Libory; and eight grandchildren.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Ricky Nelson.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.jacobsengreenway. com
The Phonograph-Herald | April 16, 2025