Janet Kerr Mohn, 94

On Jan. 27, 2017, Janet Kerr Mohn “entered into eternal life.” In keeping with her independent and determined spirit, she chose to tell this brief story of her life.

Janet was born Feb. 2, 1922, in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. Her parents were Alfred Thomas DeLandelles and Alison Clark Simpson. She spent her early years on her father’s dairy, May Dairy. Upon his death, when she was 13, she had to leave school to help her mother and eldest brother by milking cows and cleaning stalls to keep the dairy operational.

When she was in her late teens, the dairy was sold, and she began work in the administrative department of the local hospital. It was during this period of time, Australia was drawn into World War II, the 41st Division encamped outside her hometown, and she met her American husband. She married Earl W. “Bill” Mohn on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 1943, which was the beginning of the servicemen’s Thanksgiving weekend.

With the war’s end, Bill returned to the States, was discharged, and the process began for Janet to join him in Kalispell. She boarded the Mariposa in Brisbane April 11, 1946. She began her permanent resident alien status in the U.S. on April 25, 1946, when she docked in San Francisco.

Janet joined the First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell in September 1949 and remained a faithful and constant servant to this family of faith until her death. She taught 3 and 4 year olds in Sunday school, was junior choir mother, wedding reception coordinator, assisted with the annual Presbyterian Women’s salad luncheon, and collated the church’s monthly newsletter. She was ordained a deacon in 1968 and served three years; her ordination as elder was in 1971 and served 1971-1974 and 1983-1987; and elected clerk of session for the term 1971-1974. Presbyterian Women awarded her a lifetime honorarium for her years of service. She tried to live a good and fruitful life in service to God.

Being a foreign-born wife had its challenges. In February of 1951 Janet and seven other warbrides had an informational gathering to discuss their countries’ customs and culture. This was the birth of the Overseas Wives Club. Any foreign-born wife was welcomed by the group. Over time, there were as many as 20 in attendance at the monthly gatherings learning about each other’s countries, receiving help in preparing for citizenship, even learning about the nuances of the Americans’ English language. Janet was the last surviving member of the original eight.

Entering the workforce when her husband became disabled, she had the opportunity to serve the public in different businesses. A few of the businesses were Evergreen Pharmacy, Snappy’s, Modern Machinery and its successor, and Kalispell News Agency.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings Ann Pratt, John DeLandelles, and Douglas DeLandelles, and three nephews, Fred, Peter and Lance Pratt.

She is survived by her children: James and Randy Mohn, Lakeside; Gayle and Randall Collins, Kalispell; and Glenda Schulze, Kalispell. Grandchildren are Christina and Gabe Munter, Mebane, NC; Carrie Mohn, Duluth, MN; Matthew and Kady Mohn, Eden Praire, MN; Kerra Collins and fiancé Richard Haven, Kalispell; Brandan and Emilie Schulze, Kalispell; Bryan Schulze, Kalispell; and Brayden Schulze, Libby. Great-grandchildren are Cora Munter; Jacqueline Mohn; Ilse, Anya, and Etta Schulze; and Gavin Schulze.

Surviving her in Australia are nieces and nephews: Alison Pratt, Ann Margaret Tosch, William Pratt, Charlie Pratt, Jim Pratt, Sandra Robinson, Sally Jones, Les Pratt, Rod Pratt, Bernard DeLandelles, Aloma Everingham, Vanessa DeLandelles, Sidney DeLandelles, Ian DeLandelles, and Bronwyn Malouf. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mary “Dot” DeLandelles, as well as cousins in Australia and Scotland.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in the First Presbyterian Church at 540 S. Main, Kalispell. Janet’s wishes were that attendees wear bright colors – the colors of her flower garden. A light luncheon will be provided. Child care will be available.

In lieu of flowers, Janet requested donations be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 4424 S 700 E, Suite 180, Salt Lake City, UT 84107. Private burial has taken place.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.