Janice Annette (Shilka) Notch

Janice Annette Notch, age 86, unexpectedly passed away at her home in Eagle Bend, MN, on October 4, 2023.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Monday, October 9, 2023, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Clarissa with a Rosary at 3:45 PM and a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Clarissa, MN.

She was born on January 17, 1937, in Kenosha, WI, to proud parents Thomas and Rose Shilka. Janice was one of three children and graduated from Bradford High School in Kenosha. Her journey through life was one filled with laughter, love, and countless adventures.

After graduation, she embarked on a new adventure as a secretary at Great Lakes Naval Station, where fate intervened in the form of a handsome farmer disguised as a sailor. On January 15, 1955, she married Ralph Notch, and her short stint as a Navy wife led her to Charleston, SC. They soon made the bold move to Ralph's family farm in the small town of Eagle Bend. There, their family grew, and they welcomed 10 children in the short span of 13 years.

Needing respite from her children, she began a career as a dietician at the Long Prairie Hospital.

Janice's life was marked by diverse interests and an indomitable spirit. She could often be found "clowning around" in local parades, hopping aboard many a bus tour, or planting flowers in local parks. Her love of gardening lives on through numerous floral gardens across her community.

Janice was also known for her resourcefulness. She taught herself to cook, can, and sew, skills that she passed on to her daughters. She had a remarkable talent for cutting a candy bar into precisely nine even pieces. Janice was also trusted by many to keep secrets, and her loyalty knew no bounds. If you confided in her, rest assured your secret is safe.

Devotion was a hallmark of Janice's life, both in her faith and in her community. She was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Clarissa, MN, and her involvement extended to numerous organizations. She was a dedicated member of the Christian Mother's Group, a proud participant in the Red Hat Club, a founder of the museum committee and Eagle Bend Historical Society, an enthusiastic "Welcome Wagon" hostess for the town of Eagle Bend, and an active member of the garden club. Her contributions also included serving as the vice president for Todd County Council on Aging, being a senior companion with Lutheran Social Services, and supporting her community as a VFW auxiliary member.

Janice Annette Notch is survived by her children: Jane Johnson of Green Valley, AZ; Joanne (Jeff) King of Fort Ripley, MN; Tim (Sharon) Notch of Eagle Bend, MN; Joe (Nicole) Notch of Toledo, WA; Bob (Karen) Notch of Quincy, MA; Chris (Tammy) Notch of Miltona, MN; and Teresa Dukowitz; along with 19 cherished grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren and counting.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Notch; her children Ralph, James, and William Notch; grandson, Cory Probst; parents, Thomas and Rose Shilka; brother, Thomas and sister, Francis.

Janice's memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends. Her legacy of love, laughter, and community involvement will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. A remarkable woman whose life was a tapestry of joy and service, she will be dearly missed by all. She has left an indelible mark on our hearts, and her memory will live on in our stories and shared laughter.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hilltop Kitchen in Eagle Bend https://hilltopregionalkitchen.org/donate/donate-now/

or to VFW Post 6318 PO Box 96, Eagle Bend, MN 56446.

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