Livestream Link

Janice Grabinger, 90, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo.

Janice Jeanette (Just) Grabinger, was born 07-14-1936 to Lydia (Mayer) and Emil Just. Janice was born in Turtle Lake, ND and grew up in Mercer, ND. Her family moved to Garrison, ND just before Janice’s senior year in high school, but she remained in Mercer with her grandmother so she could graduate from Mercer High School with her lifelong friends/classmates.

During her high school years, Janice met Russell Grabinger. The story goes that he sat behind her at the movie theater, throwing popcorn at her and her date. He was the one who drove her home that night!! They dated for two years, were engaged for two years, and were married for over 67 years before Russell passed away. Janice completed teacher training at Minot State University and taught for one year at a one-room schoolhouse. She loved kids, which was obvious even at the end of life when her great grandkids visited.

After marriage, they moved to San Diego where Russell was in the Navy. Son Scott was born while in San Diego. After the Navy years, they returned to North Dakota where Russell completed a teaching degree at Minot State University. Daughter Beth was born while in Minot. Following Russell’s schooling, they lived in Killdeer, ND for a time and then moved to Mandan, ND. While in Mandan, Janice worked as a secretary at First Lutheran Church, and later as an administrative assistant for the Mandan Golden Age Services. Son Cory was born while living in Mandan.

Janice was a busy woman – she didn’t sit still and there was no reason for the rest of the family to sit still either! That may sound fun, but her idea of family time was cleaning, cooking, cleaning, laundry, cleaning, baking, and cleaning. Janice was an exceptional cook and baker - her grandkids will always fondly remember her famous frosted Christmas cookies! In her later years, she liked to keep Russell busy, doing all of the same things previously mentioned! Janice’s favorite hobby was shopping, much to Russell’s chagrin. Janice was loving and nurturing and taught her family to care for others. Janice (Gramma Jan) made her grandkids and great-grand kids feel so loved and included all those married into the family as her very own! She was definitely meant to be a gramma.

Janice and Russell moved to Fargo in 2015 to be closer to family. Janice looked forward to Friday night suppers out with family and visits from the great grandkids. They lived in a 55 and over community at first and then in assisted living at Bethany on 42nd prior to Russell’s passing. Janice experienced some health concerns and moved to the skilled nursing wing of Bethany last Christmas. Janice suffered from a broken heart after Russell passed and spent nearly three years waiting to be with him. She passed peacefully in her sleep and joined him in their heavenly home.

Janice is survived by her son, Scott; Daughter, Beth (Dale); and son, Cory (Shannon); grandchildren, Andrew (Becca), Alyx, Sarah (James), Luke (Alex), Kendel, and Carter; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Dexter, Maggie, Parker, and Caden; sister, Peggy (Pat); brother, Clyde (Clarice); sister-in-law, Donna; brothers-in-law, Scott and Brent (Marsha); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, mother- and father-in-law, brother, brothers- and sisters-in-law, two nephews and a niece.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Bethany on 42nd, in both the Gables assisted living and the skilled nursing areas.

Memorials can be given to Lighthouse Church of Fargo, ND or to a charity of your choice.