Janice McKeen age 72, of Glendive, Montana passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 11th at the Wibaux County Nursing Home in Wibaux, Montana.
A private Memory Service for family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 30th at 6:00 PM at the Evangelical Church of Glendive. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, on Friday, January 31st at the Evangelical Church in Glendive with Pastor David Steinbron officiating. Interment will be in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Janice was born on December 22, 1952, in Glendive, MT, to Albert and Magdalene “Maggie” (Kaul) Kalmback, the youngest of three children. She attended Glendive public schools, graduating with the DCHS class of 1971. After graduation, Janice worked at City Drug, KGLE radio, and later at Kmart and the Dollar Store.
On August 18, 1979, she married Walter McKeen. After residing for a short time in Forsyth, they moved back to Glendive to raise their three children; welcoming Lisa in 1980, Daniel in 1983 and Kevin in 1988. Janice was a wonderful homemaker, dedicated to raising her family, and an active volunteer in her children’s classrooms. She found great enjoyment attending their activities and she was their biggest supporter. Janice was a loving wife, mother, and grandma/nana, spending as much time as possible with her family.
Janice was a woman of devout faith, and a member of the Glendive Evangelical Church, attending Bible study and playing piano and organ during services for many years. She enjoyed reading, baking, sewing, shopping at the mall, visiting, crossword puzzles, playing games; especially Uno and Yahtzee, and had a love for cats and owls.
She put great thought into every gift she purchased and her gift wrapping skills were extraordinary.
One of her favorite trips was with her family to California in the summer of 1996, visiting Disneyland, Knots Berry Farm, the San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld. A family trip to Minnesota was also a highlight, where Janice shopped the Mall of America. Janice and Walter later traveled to South Dakota and visited their children and grandchildren several times in Washington.
Janice was preceded in death by both parents, Albert and Maggie Kalmback; one brother, Ronald Kalmback; father and mother in law, Gil and Ada McKeen; and one brother in law, Wayne Kegley.
Janice is survived by her husband of 45 years, Walter of Glendive; daughter Lisa (Kevin) of Puyallup, Washington, son Daniel (KaSandra) of Puyallup, Washington, son Kevin (Michelle) of Glendive; four grandchildren Graydon and Hudson Tucker, and Sloane and Malcolm McKeen; sister Agnes Kegley of Mandan, North Dakota, sister in law Sherry Kalmback of Pflugerville, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Janice’s name to Happy Tails (mthappytails.org) at P.O. Box 1282, Glendive, MT. Remembrances and condolences may be shared at www.stevensonandsons.com or www.silhafuneralhomes.com.
Lisa Tucker says
I miss you so much Mom! Thank you for being the best Mom a daughter could ask for. I know you are at peace now in heaven and that you’ll be looking for me when my time comes. Until then, see you later alligator. I love you!
Lisa
Emmie Hoskins Loberg says
Oh the wonderful memories I have of Jan. We practically grew up together. Playing piano and Barbies. I spent alot of time at her home. Lots of laughs & fun. My daughter was flower girl at Walt & Jan’s wedding.
Rest in piece my beautiful friend!!
Emmie Hoskins Loberg
Tami Andres says
I love you Auntie Jan! Oh the memories! Thinking today about the time on our Vegas trip when we stopped at Sambo’s and they gave you the kids menu and Randy and I the adult menus. Oh how we laughed and laughed about that! Say hi to the rest of the family up there! I am happy you get to be with Jesus. I am so thankful for the last phone call we had so I could tell you I love you. My thoughts and prayers are with Walt, Lisa, Daniel, Kevin, Agnes, and their families! Love you all! Rest in peace Auntie Jan. Love, Tami and family
Betty Lou Miller says
Rest in peace sweet Janice. We always enjoyed visiting when we met up shopping. Remembering Janice’s smile and her blonde curls as a little girl! We are Kalmback cousins. Our fathers, Albert and John, were brothers.
Eileen Entzel says
Walt and family
Thoughts and prayers are with you
Kurt Seward says
Walt and family I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember the days of you living here in Forsyth working at the Sheriff’s office. My heart and thoughts are with you. Kurt
Debbie McKeen Sparks says
Into Glory, to be welcomed by The King of kings… A homecoming … Can you imagine the beauty! My dear family, I am sorry for the loss of your mama, and grammie and Uncle Walt, for the loss of your dear wife, Janice. My heart and prayers are with each of you as you walk through this kiss and sorrow. He is close to the broken hearted and bindeth up their wounds.
Randy Kalmback says
God Bless you Auntie Jan! I am so happy Carmen and I got to see you! I have so many memories growing up and spending time with you. I remember the trip to Disneyland and up the west coast in our Ford LTD station wagon. You went on the roller coasters with me so I wouldn’t be alone even though you didn’t want to. I was 10 or 12 then. Our heartfelt condolences to Uncle Walt and the entire family. We know you are walking with Dad, Grandma, Grandpa and Jesus! May you rest in Peace Auntie Jan! We Love you!
Lori Vincent says
Rest gently in our Heavenly Father’s arms, Aunt Janice. I remember meeting you for the first time at grandpa and grandma McKeen‘s house before you were to marry uncle Walter. You and uncle Walter were just so sweet with each other. You were madly in love and Walter was just beyond thrilled to have you as his soon to be wife. He couldn’t stop smiling. You were a lovely sweet kind woman. You were very much loved. God bless you’re wonderful husband and sweet family. All our love to you all. May God wrap you in his arms at this time and give you comfort and care.