Janice Jorgensen Werst, 86

Janice Elayne Jorgensen Werst, 86, died peacefully on Dec. 17, 2024. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on March 15, 2025, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 501 East Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, followed by a light luncheon. 

Jan was born March 11, 1938, in Kalispell, to James Jorgensen, Jr. and Fern Lillian (Moe) Jorgensen. They subsequently moved to Whitefish when her father began working for the Great Northern Railroad during WWII. 

An excellent student and leader, Jan graduated from Whitefish High School in 1956. She worked at Anaconda Aluminum Company in Columbia Falls, becoming office manager and librarian for the chemical and quality control laboratories. 

Jan enjoyed boating, bowling, reading and traveling. She maintained her connection with the Order of Rainbow for Girls and joined Beta Sigma Phi, a worldwide sorority for Women. 

She married Donald Werst on July 13, 1973. His work took them to several western states, and to many other foreign countries, finally returning them to the Pacific Northwest. 

She is survived by her husband, Don Werst, her sister, Mary Beth Jorgensen, her niece and nephew, Elizabeth Belt and David Feild, and their families and numerous cousins, including Michael Turner and Douglas Turner.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of North Idaho or a charity of your choice. Bell Tower Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. 

To leave condolences for the family visit www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.