Janet May Olstad

Janet May Olstad, age 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Madonna Towers in Rochester, MN.

Born on April 16, 1939, in Albert Lea, MN, Janet was the beloved daughter of John and Verna (Mudra) Plevka. She graduated from Glenville High School and was united in marriage to DuWayne Olstad on November 21, 1959, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield, MN. Together, Janet and Dewey built a loving family and life filled with adventure.

The couple raised their children in Hayfield until 1982, when they embarked on a new journey to Miltona, MN, to own and operate Olstad’s Resort on Lake Miltona. Janet and Dewey retired in 2009, and after Dewey’s passing in 2012, Janet remained in the cherished home they had purchased near the resort.

Janet's greatest joy was her family—her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She treasured visits with Dawn in Rochester and with Jeff and his family in Spearfish, SD. Janet also delighted in the small pleasures of life: Shake-a-day coffee in Miltona, happy hours with friends and neighbors, cultivating her garden and sharing its bounty, and indulging in her favorite Cowboy Romance novels.

Janet is survived by her loving children, Dawn Olstad of Rochester, MN, Jeff (Diane) Olstad of Spearfish, SD, and Jay Olstad of the Twin Cities; grandchildren, Jared Olstad of Spearfish, SD, and Jessica (Aaron) Myers of Spearfish, SD; and 3 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Sharon (Rollie) Ayers of Lake Havasu City, AZ and Elaine (Wayne) Jacobson of Chisago City, MN; sister-in-law, Marlene (Clem) Hicks of Hastings, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, John and Verna Plevka; and her husband, DuWayne Olstad.

Her laughter, adventurous spirit, and love will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd St NW in Hayfield, MN with Pastor Kristen Anderson officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to her service at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be in Fairview cemetery in Hayfield, MN.

To share a special memory or condolence please, visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd Street NW, Hayfield, Minnesota, 507-477-2259. Blessed be her memory.