Janell Girodat

janell girodat

Janell A. Girodat, 42, went home to Jesus peacefully on Monday, March 21, 2011 at her home under the care of Hospice surrounded by her husband and children.

Janell was born April 18, 1968 to James German and Julie German-Sadler in Oakes, ND.  She grew up and went to school in the Oakes area.  As a child she loved playing and watching sports along with being outside.  She also helped out on the farm with cattle and haying.  After high school Janell attended college at Mayville State University where she met the love of her life.  Janell and Gary were united in marriage on May 27, 1989 at Our Lady of Peace in Mayville, ND.  They lived in multiple places where Janell worked mainly in education.  They became the parents of 3 loving and compassionate children.  Janell was so proud of her children.  Her love of sports continued as she attended every one of her children's extra-curricular activities in school.  She absolutely loved her job in education.  Janell would always talk about it as not being just any job, but as a calling.  She was not just any guidance counselor, but a loving and understanding friend to all of her students and colleagues.  Janell always said, "I want to make a difference in at least one person's life."  In the words of her brother-in-law, Dan, "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!"

Janell is survived by husband, Gary of Kindred; children, Damien of Fargo, Megan of Bismarck, and Cole; parents, James German of Guelph. ND and Julie (John) Sadler of Copperas Cove, TX; siblings, Janeen (Andrew) Garza of Kempner, TX, Jessica (Lewis) Gutheridge of Crowley, TX, Jimmy (Karen) German of Ellabell, GA, Jarrett German of Gillette, WY; many nieces and nephews along with numerous family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and father-in-law, Mathias Girodat.

Janell battled cancer for 10 years that weakened her body, but not her soul.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to "Janell Girodat Scholarship Fund" c/o Kindred State Bank, 411 Elm St, Kindred, ND  58051-4001 phone number 701-428-3121.

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  1. Morden ManitobaGary and family,
    At a time like this, there is a sorrow for which no heart could ever be prepared. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  2. Fargo ND
    I was saddened to hear of Janell’s passing. Janell meant a lot to me and I will never forget her. She had such a strong spirit. I do not know what I would have done without Janell when I was in high school in Milnor. I truly felt she was one of the only people I could trust and go to with my problems. She never judged – she always cared.

    May she rest in peace and my heartfelt sympathies go out to the family. You are all truly great people and I will keep you in my prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Mandy

  3. Kempner TexasJanell is a special person. I miss you my sister and my friend. We did so much together when we were growing up–sports, dance team, and church events to name a few. I think of you and tears stream down my face, but I know you are in no more pain. I miss you so, so much!!! You inspired so many people to be the best they can be and follow what God was calling them to do. You are my HERO. I often tell my own students how much you have accomplished, and how you never let your cancer get you down. Like the old saying in the Army “Suck it up and drive on”. You always said, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Cancer may have weakened your body, but not your soul. You are up in heaven smiling down on us and watching over us now. I can only hope and pray that I can be half the person that you are and had become to so many people. Love you sis and “Save a Place for Me.” Janeen

  4. Eureka SDI got to know Janell through an interview for a position at North Sargent School in Gwinner. As an elementary administrator, I was very impressed with my vote going to her but was outnumbered by others who were also in the room. However I kept in touch with her as she lived between Milnor and Gwinner. She was always so inspirational towards the development of children in her school assignment and I am sure this trademark was also evident with her family. She was one fine lady and professional. She left her mark here on Earth with her contributions continuing with the children she touched including her own family. May God Bless all of you who suffer her loss. Mr. Hettich – former administrator at North Sargent and now at Zeeland Public School.

  5. Maple Lake MN
    I just heard about Janell while visiting with Mom tonight on the phone. We give both families our deepest sympathys. I know the German family has always been very close. Hopefully our prayers for all of you will help give you strength to carry on as well as knowing what a great person Janell was.

  6. Fargo ND
    Your mother was such a supporter of you kids! I know that she will continue to support you. I was honored to have you as students, and I know that you will continue to make her proud! Stay together and support one another. We send our condolences to your family.

  7. Danville INI wish to let Janell’s family know that they are in my prayers. I know how close Janeen was to her sister, and I am asking God to wrap His arms around her giving her great comfort knowing that He is in control. While it is hard to let go, it is wonderful to know that Janell is no longer in any pain and is dancing on the streets of gold today. Blessings to you all!

    Marlene White

  8. Craig COIt goes to show that you’re never to old to learn. Janell you taught me so much on how to live a Christian life. Thank you for the GREAT example. You are greatly missed. Love you
    God Bless Uncle Fran and Aunt Louise

  9. Craig COPlease know our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May God bless you.

    Grace and Families

  10. Langdon ND
    Gary-Damien-Megan-Cole,
    My heart and soul goes out to you. Yours is an extrordinary family. Your wife and mom was a “Beautiful” person inside and out, as are all of you. Saying she’ll be missed is an understatement, there is no doubt she will live forever in your hearts. You were very blessed to have her, and she was blessed to have you in return. Love Tonia

  11. Forman North Dakota
    Our sympathy to Janell’s family. My your faith & memories get you through this difficult time and the gift of eternal life give you peace.
    Janell’s life on earth was an inspiration to all, may her reward in Heaven be great!
    The Wyums

  12. Detroit Lakes MN
    I was a counselor at the Middle School and retired about the time Janell was starting at the HS. I did a little helping at the HS during the time she worked there so I know what a loving, giving young lady she was. The students and staff were blessed to have her in their lives.
    My sympathy to her family. I know Janell had a strong faith and he will hold all of you in the palm of his hand during this very sad time.
    Sincerely, Pauline Monson

  13. West Fargo ND
    I have so many childhood memories that I have of Janell, beautiful then, now and always. All of my prayers go out to all of her family….she will be missed. Her strength and belief in God is such an inspiration to all to live life to the fullest.

    Scott, Sue (Quandt) and Ben Olson.

  14. Fargo ND
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you Gary and with your family. Janell was a very courageous and strong person. She set an example by how she lived. Anything she did, she did with passion. Her impact on the lives of those around her was enormous. We can all hope that we have the same ability to affect other’s lives as Janell did. She will be remembered and missed. God’s peace be with you.

  15. Brooklet GeorgiaAlthough we didn’t get to spend a lot of time with Janell, we know how special and strong she was. The entire family is in our prayers during this time of your broken hearts.

  16. ND
    Mom-

    You meant so much to me and our family. I am so blessed and grateful to call you mom. You helped me become the man I am today and I will continue to live out your legacy through everything you have taught me. I love hearing about how inspiring you were and all the things you have done because I can say “that was MY mom.” You were not only a wonderful mother to me, Megan, and Cole, but a loving and extraordinary wife to dad. We will all stick together and through this tough time, hold each other up and continue to pass on the things you have taught us. Thank you for being such an awesome mom and friend. I love and miss you so much.

    Your Son,

    Damien Girodat

  17. Lidgerwood ND
    I hadnt seen janell in many years, but i keep remembering all of the dance practices in oakes when she was our captain. She was always a kind person and i am so very glad that i had the chance to know her. Julie Schreiner Bottchen

  18. Langdon ND
    My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time. Gary, Damien, Megan & Cole remember that I am always here for you. All of the great family times that we shared with Janell will help us. I will always treasure those memories.

    The first time Gary brought Janell up to Langdon for us to met her in 1989, she instantly become a part of our family. Janell was not just my sister-in-law, she was like a sister and great friend.

    I will miss you greatly. You were truly an amazing and inspirational woman with such a great compassion for your family and your profession.

    Rest in Peace. You fought a good fight with great dignity. You reward is now great in HEAVEN and we now have an angel watching over us.

  19. Langdon ND
    Gary and Family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Janell was a very couragious and strong women and will finally be at peace in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are heading your way in this diffcult time.

  20. Milnor ND
    The first time I met Janell was when the Girodat family had just moved to Milnor. I went to drop something off for her on the Lunneborg farm and Janell was in the process of changing the brake pads on her car. She had a big smile on her face and told me that Gary wanted her to wait until he came that weekend and he would do it, but she said, “I called my dad, and he told me what to do, so I did it.” Leaving I thought, what an amazing woman. Janell impacted many people with her inner strength and beauty. Rest in Gods arms Janell. To Gary and the family my sympathy goes out to you. May you find your inner strength to guide you through this trying time and know you have an angel watching over you.

  21. Words cannot express the loss of such a brave and couragous woman. She touched many lives. May she rest in peace.

  22. Kindred ND
    Gary, Damien, Megan and Cole: I, Lisa, Jason, Jenna and Justin are truly sorry to hear of your loss, you all will be in our thoughts and prayers. Janell touched many people, to include me and my family and we’re thankful to have had the opportunity to know her and your family. God Bless you all.

    Tis hard to break the tender cord
    when love has bound the heart.

    Tis hard to speak the words,
    we must forever part.

    Dearest loved one, we must lay thee
    in the peaceful grave’s embrace.

    But thy memory will be cherished,
    till we again see thy heavenly face.

  23. HORACE ND
    Death is inevitable, but it always hurts so deep when it is someone close to you. My sincere symphathy is with you.w

  24. Kansas City MOMy heart goes out to the your family as you cope with the difficult loss of Janell. My God watch over you and give you the strength and courage to get through this time.

  25. KINDRED ND
    My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. I never knew nor will I probably ever know someone else with the committment to her children and family that Janell had. I can’t believe that this will not live on and be felt in your family forever. God’s blessengs on you all and know that she and God are with you through it all.

    Sincerely,
    Dawn T.

  26. Fergus Falls MN
    Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Janell. I feel privileged to have grown up with Janell and we mourn with you. May you find comfort in God’s blessings and grace as Janell’s legacy lives on in all of the people she has touched and inspired.

  27. Denton TexasDear Gary and Family,

    I was sorry to hear of Janell’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.

  28. Milnor Until we meet again, we shall remember your kindness, your faith, your strength, your inspiring ways. We pray all of your loved ones find peace and comfort, as you will suffer no longer. We agree with Dan, your mission was accomplished:)

  29. Anthon Iowacould’nt ask for a more wonderfuf person you were well loved by so many you always had such a wonderful smile always busy with family ,friends staff.god opend his door for you we love ,played shared gave as a family miss you always

  30. I’m definitely going to miss Janell’s kindness, perseverance, and personality. Not to mention her awesome cooking! She was very multi-talented. Thanksgiving and Easter with your family were that much better because of Janell. She will be missed.

  31. Bismarck ND
    Gary and family, I am so very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all. May you find God’s love and comfort to get you through. Kathy

  32. Rochester MN
    I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the Girodat and German families. I know that you will all tell stories of Janell. I wish I had stories to that I could share with you. Just know that Janell is in a much better place. I believe that there were alot of Oakes and Guelph people welcoming her home.

    Please know that your friends in Rochester are praying for you during this difficult time.

    Greg

  33. Portland North Dakota
    we are so sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.

  34. Hickson North Dakota
    You fought a brave fight Janell and inspired many people along the way including myself. I will never forget the Thanksgiving day you found out my Dad and I had nowhere to go on Thanksgiving and you invited us over to your house! That is just one small example of the type of person you were. You will be missed, but we know you are now in a better place!

  35. CAThough I did not know you well, our family speaks fondly of your endless spirit of happiness and perseverance. You and your inspiration will be greatly missed!

  36. Badger MN
    Gary and family,
    My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time. Janell was my RA in Berg Hall (at Mayville State). She was always a fun-loving, strong person. She touched many lives and will be remembered by all who knew her.

    Becky

  37. Fargo ND
    I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Janell always had a smile on her face and whenever I saw her and asked how she was doing she always said she was doing great. What a strong inspiration she was to all of us. A very loving, caring person with alot of unselfish love for everyone. We will miss you Janell. Thanks for the all the wonderful memories through the school years and lessons on living life more appreciative even for the little things. Love Janel (Just) Brooks

  38. Cushing IowaA Bright Light and Dear Cousin of mine has passed beyond the Gates of Heaven. She will be missed but I know when I look at the stars in the sky she will be there for eternity along with all other loved ones who passed before us also. Rest In Peace Janell in God’s Love.
    Love you, Joyce Sevening

  39. Portland ND
    I am so sorry for your loss. I taught at Clifford-Galesburg Elem. with Janell. We also attended the same church in Mayville. I just wanted her family to know that she is in the thoughts and prayers of many people back here!! May knowing that her pain is gone and that she is with our Lord give you all peace. God Bless.

  40. Gwinner My deepest sympathy to the Girodat/German family. Janell was a very strong woman and was an inspiration to many.

  41. Fargo North Dakota
    My sympathies to all of Janell’s family. I saw Janell for the first time since high school at Jerry Colemans funeral last fall. I was struck by her zest for life, and her will to persevere against her illness. I’m truly saddened to hear of her passing. Stay strong, and focus on the joy she brought to this world.

    Respectfully,

    Cal Lambert

  42. LEONARD ND
    I am so sorry for your loss. A mother, a wife and a wonderful woman. Here is a little something I wrote, It is called “Losing a Loved one
    “The sky is so bright that you can’t see. The tunnel is so dark. There are people here and there are people up there. Their voices say “You must come now,” Others say “Please stay awhile longer.” Your soul is town between two world, Why must life be full of these decision? The flowers bloom and feel so alive, But when they wilt and die, tears are shed in many colors and ways. The voices are getting stronger. They are pulling my loved one away too fast. If you must leave, please feel rested for your journey and love in your heart. For someday I shall see you in the sky.
    written by JoDel Johnson~Leonard, ND

  43. Fargo ND
    ✞✞✞ Sending my deepest sympathy and payers for strength. My heart breaks for your loss. RIP Janell. God saw you were getting tired and a recovery was just not meant to be, so God took your hand and said to you “It’s time to come Home with Me” ✞✞✞

  44. Fargo My thoughts and prayers go out to Girodat/German family during this difficult time. Janell was an amazing woman. I have so many great memories of her. She could always make me smile no matter what kind of day I was having. She will be missed. God Bless you all today and always.

    Love Staci

  45. Gwinner ND
    Rest in Peace Janell. You were truly an inspiration to so many people. You will be missed, but never forgotten!

  46. Oakes ND
    Our prayers and thoughts are with your family during this time. Janell will always be an inspiration to everyone and will continue to be one forever and always {{{hugs}}} to all. Im so glad we held a benefit for Janell and hope that each year we will continue a sled run in honor of her. It was so overwhelming to see the turn out we had, awsome just awsome.. Janell will forever be in all our hearts…

  47. gwinner ndwe will miss you Janell, you were a very loving and kind person rest in peace and may god watch over you and your family

  48. Lilburn GA We lost a wonderful women yesterday after a long and hard battle with cancer. Her strength was truly amazing and she will be very missed..May God go/be with you Janell and your family.


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