Janet Staigle

Janet Staigle, of rural Center, ND, passed away at home on Monday, January 5th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Janet (Vellenga) Staigle was born to Dirk (Dick) and Adrianna (Jennie) Vellenga on July 16, 1940 in the home she grew up in. She graduated from Pettibone High School and then went on to college at Jamestown College. Shortly after college, she moved to Bismarck and worked at the State Capitol and at the Q & R Clinic. Janet was one of 7 children and had a twin, Joyce.

She met the love of her life, Charles Staigle, in the fall of 1960 on a blind date at a Halloween party. Janet and Charles were married on August 26, 1961, and through this union had 4 children; Wade, Lynelle, Myrna, and Wesley.

Janet and Charles farmed and ranched from the day they were married, including milking cows, selling cream for grocery money, raising sheep, pigs and chickens. They purchased their current farm in 1964 and moved into their farmhouse that had indoor plumbing in 1965. In 2015, they retired and sold the farm to their son, Wade, and wife Merri. Retirement didn’t last long for these two as they tended to a large garden which filled their pantry. The produce that was shared with many. They were very involved in helping with day-to-day activities of the farming and ranching operation even after retirement, and were available for caring for grandchildren and great-grandchildren at the drop of the hat.

Janet was a very loving and caring person. It was her joy to welcome family and guests into their home. Her specialties were: caramel rolls, chocolate cake, popcorn, chocolate chip and gingersnap cookies, buns & fruitcake. She was an excellent cook. Her kitchen was her domain. Other things that made her happy were singing, music, watching “The Price Is Right” and “Wheel of Fortune”, summer picnics, and snapping her gum. In the more recent years, they loved going to meet their friends at the Mandan McDonald’s and Mandan Eagles. They could always be found dancing to favorite band “Erhardt Country” whenever possible.

Janet will be missed deeply by her loving husband of 64 years, Charles, of Center, ND; son, Wade & wife Merri of Center, ND; daughter, Lynn & husband Tim Hanson of Fort Ransom, ND; daughter, Myrna and husband Roland Schoon of Whitewood, SD; son, Wes and late wife Julie of Fargo, ND. Grandchildren: Daniel, Ethan, and Logan, Reed and Derek, Jason and Amanda, Cole and Nathan. Great-Grandchildren: Laramie, Conley, Hensley, Kennedy, Jayleigh and Maren, Benjamin and Levi, Luke, Grace, and Declan, Walker, and 2 more great grandchildren on the way. Sisters: Barbara, Kathryn, Joyce, and Dorothy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by Dick and Jennie Vellenga (parents), Harriet Hagel (sister), Richard Vellenga (brother) and Walter & Marianna (Mary) Staigle (mother & father-in-law).

A memorial service will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, January 10th at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Center, ND with Pastor Dennis Ristvedt officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church followed by a 7:00 PM prayer service.

Burial will take place at a later date.

The family invites you for lunch and fellowship in the church basement following the funeral service.

The family also wishes to extend a special thank you to:

CHI Hospital – St. Alexius

CHI Home Health & Hospice

Pastor Dennis Ristvedt & Chaplain Angie

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Nurse Nicole Wolf