Janet Marie (Kratoska) O’Brien, 70, passed away November 9, 2013, in St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth.
Jan was born in Chicago, IL to George F. “Bud” Kratoska and Charlet (Hagie) Kratoska on September 26, 1943 and shortly thereafter moved to Trout Lake Resort in Grand Marais. She graduated from Cook County High School in 1961 and then moved to Duluth where she met her future husband of 48 years, Greg O’Brien.
Jan had several careers throughout her life, including Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich Publishers, stay-at-home mom raising four kids and their numerous friends, and home daycare provider for 21 years. She continued her work career at Kiwanis Club of Friendly Duluth for 13 years, and spent an additional 16 years at the Zenith Management Company and sort of retired in 2009.
Jan was an avid bowler, knitter, gardener, and homemaker. She enjoyed playing Words with Friends and watching Game Show Network. Mom’s house was always open to friends, family, and guests. One of Janet’s greatest joys was to be a “Mom” to everybody.
Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Greg; parents Bud and Char; and her infant sister Gayle.
She is survived by her children, Daniel (Elizabeth) O’Brien of Hermantown, Erin (John) Cox of Hermantown, Kelly (Thomas) Becker of Verona, Wis., and Nancy (Nathan) Hooper of Duluth; grandchildren Emily, Derek, Thomas, Drake, Thomas Jr., Cleo, Andrew, Morgan; her sister Nancy Waver and family, Grand Marais; and her dog Sami.
In lieu of flowers the family will forward all donations to the American Cancer Society.
Gathering of family and friends was Wednesday, November 13 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2801 E. 4th Street, Duluth. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth.
Leave a Reply