Jane Gillund

jane gillund

Jane C. Gillund, 59, of Fargo, ND peacefully passed away in her home Saturday, November 22, 2014 after a courageous 15 year battle with cancer. 

Jane was born March 25, 1955 to Gladys and Arnold Larson of Wildrose, ND.  She was baptized,  confirmed and married in Grace Lutheran Church of Wildrose.  Jane graduated from high school in Wildrose in 1973, from NDSU in 1977 and married Neil Gillund of Wildrose in 1977.  Jane and Neil moved to Fargo in 1979 after Neil's graduation from law school where she worked at St. Lukes/Meritcare/Sanford from 1980 to 2010 when she retired due to her illness. 

Jane and Neil have two children. Michael born 1982 and Kyle, born 1985, both living in Fargo.  Her greatest joy was watching them at innumerable soccer, football, baseball, basketball, track, hockey and broomball games either as participants or coaches at NDSU Soccer (Michael) or Shanley basketball( Kyle).  Michael married Cindy Peterson of Fargo, ND in 2008 and has two children, Cole 3 and Evie 10 months and they were the light of Jane's life.  Kyle is living in Fargo and Jane was extremely proud of her children and the men they have grown into.

Jane loved her time at the lake each summer, especially her annual girls' weekend with friends she knew over 50 years and was extremely active in her church (St Anne and Joachim) receiving and award from Bishop Sullivan in 2000 for her service to the church and diocese for her work with the RCIA program, pastoral council service and other activities. She also was involved in committees at Roger Maris Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society as a Patient Advocate, Mentor, Chairman of the 61 for 61 event 2010, and member of the Embrace and Stage IV Embrace Group.  She received the American Cancer Society Award of Hope in 2001-2002.  She shared her journey in many situations where she expressed her deep faith, good humor, courage, and optimism.  She repeatedly described her battle as a blessing and an opportunity to help others.  Jane was treated for her entire illness by Dr. Gross of RMCC both spiritually and physically.  Dr. Gross went above and beyond his duties as a physician in caring for Jane and her family wishes to express their deep gratitude to him as well as all the other staff at Roger Maris Cancer Center and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Jane is survived by her husband, Neil, children Michael (Cindy) and Kyle, grandchildren Cole and Evie, her mother Gladys Larson, brother Arley Larson (Sandra), Nephews David (Misty), Corey and Eric Larson.

Memorials may be directed to the Roger Maris Cancer Center and the Stage IV Embrace Program at RMCC.

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  1. Jane was such a wonderful woman. I enjoyed working with her during the 61 for 61 fundraiser. No matter what she was going through she always had a smile. My prayers to all for her family and many friends who will grieve her passing.

  2. Casselton ND
    Dear Gillund Family, I worked with Jane years back at Meritcare, she was a delight! I hope all the good memories of her are a comfort to you at this difficult time. She was a tremendous human being.

  3. I worked with Jane at the hospital for many years. She lived her illness with grace and dignity. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this time. God Bless.

  4. Casselton ND
    Have such fond college memories of Jane. Her smile was always contagious. Such a inspiration to us. My thoughts and prayers are with your family as you move on in this world. June

  5. Sun City West AZ
    Our deepest sympathy to Neil and family and to the Larson family on the loss of your wife, mother, daughter and sister.

  6. Phoen AZ
    Neil – When the lord calls our loved ones home, He leaves a gift of memories in exchange. I know you have a lifetime of memories with Jane. Doug & Dennis (Gillund) and I send our love. – Gerri

  7. Fargo ND
    Our deepest sympathy to all on the loss of such a wonderful person. It is not often that someone finds a younger person as a heroine. Jane is my junior by 16 years but she has been my heroine for the past 11 years. She always showed me how to act in the face of a fight against cancer. I only hope that I learned from her how to project hope in the face of great adversity. Ruth and I would dearly love to be present for the gathering and prayer service tonight and Jane’s Funeral Mass tomorrow. We cannot be at either because some digestive bug has infected us both and kept us near bedridden through Thanksgiving. Our prayers are with all of you in your time of grieving this loss. We especially remember our dear friends: Gladys Larson, Jane’s Mother and Shirly Gillund, Neal’s Mother Her brother Arley and wife Sandy husband Neal and their two sons and their families.

  8. Bismarck,N.Dakota58504 Our sincere sympathy to You,Neil, your boys and their families—and to you,Gladysand all of Janes friends. I know this is a very hard time for you all. A memorial is sent to the Roger Maris cancer center in memory of Jabe.
    Sincerely, Kay and Dash
    WE are thinking of you at this time.

  9. To the family of Jane Gillund,
    I’m very sorry about the loss of your loved one. By the comments I could tell she was a wonderful person. I wanted to share the scriptural hope that gave me comfort. I hoped it would help you also. The Bible shows that God did not intend for us to suffer and die. (Romans 5:12). It also calls death an enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26). God has promised to remove death forever. (Isaiah 25:8). And he has set a time when he will soon resurrect our loved ones onto a cleansed, paradise earth. (John 5:28,29 Psalm 37:10,11,29). Please visit jw.org to find satisfying answers from the Bible, free of charge. I truly am sorry for your loss. I hope this brings you comfort. Sincerely, Susan Novak

  10. Foster City CaliforniaI had the privilege of meeting Jane (and Neil) while visiting my mother, Carolyn, in Fargo a few years ago.
    It was such a treat to meet her, and her bright soul was such a gift in her work and in her friendship. I will always be thankful for how giving she was of herself and how supportive both she and Neil were for my mom when John had passed away.
    Having only spent a short time getting to know Jane, and remembering how enjoyable that was , I can only imagine the impact she had on those who had known her longer.
    Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and know that my thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.

  11. Foster City CaliforniaI had the privilege of meeting Jane (and Neil) while visiting my mother, Carolyn, in Fargo a few years ago.
    It was such a treat to meet her, and her bright soul was such a gift in her work and in her friendship. I will always be thankful for how giving she was of herself and how supportive both she and Neil were for my mom when John had passed away.
    Having only spent a short time getting to know Jane, and remembering how enjoyable that was , I can only imagine the impact she had on those who had known her longer.
    Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and know that my thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.

  12. I worked with Jane many years ago and I have many fond memories of Jane. She was so caring for her patients and any one she touched. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by many.

    My deepest sympathy

    Penny Moos

  13. Foster City CaliforniaI had the privilege of meeting Jane (and Neil) while visiting my mother, Carolyn, in Fargo a few years ago.
    It was such a treat to meet her, and her bright soul was such a gift in her work and in her friendship. I will always be thankful for how giving she was of herself and how supportive both she and Neil were for my mom when John had passed away.
    Having only spent a short time getting to know Jane, and remembering how enjoyable that was , I can only imagine the impact she had on those who had known her longer.
    Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and know that my thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.

  14. west fargo ND
    – North Dakota
    I knew Jane while working at Sandford. From the moment I met her I knew she was special. She knew what living a full life meant, and she did so each and every day. I remember meeting her at the park one day soon after I started a family of my own. I will never forget her advice, encouragement, and kindness. All who knew her were blessed and will carry a part of her with them forever….

  15. I worked with Jane for many years and we shared a lot of laughter and good times. Whenever I would see her throughout her illness she would ALWAYS make me laugh about something. Her strength while she was sick was awe inspiring to me. I am truly going to miss our chats and feel I was so lucky to have known such a fun and incredible woman in this lifetime. May God be with you in the days ahead. Bye Jane

  16. Fargo ND
    Neil and Family- Dave and I want to express our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    David and Bonnie Johnson

  17. Seabeck WANeil and family,
    As was said- all of our hearts fell when we heard this sad news. My thoughts and prayers and best wishes are with you and your family … with Gladys and Arley who have lost a daughter and sister.

    My best to all of you.
    We will all miss Jane..

    David

  18. Barnesville MN
    Jane was a co-worker for many years and always a friend. She taught all who knew her important lessons about living. I never heard her complain about her health, but rather she told me once”Oh Barb, I wouldn’t replace what I have learned through this. I am so thankful” She always spoke highly of her care team at Roger Maris, her family, her church and friends. “We grieve, but not as those who have no hope”. See you again someday, Jane!

  19. Neil, Michael, Kyle and families,

    I am Stacy from the toddler room at Meritcare CDC. I had the privilege of caring for Michael and Kyle in daycare. I also worked with Jane in Dietary. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all during this difficult time. You now have a very very special ANGEL to watch over you from heaven. Stacy

  20. Bismarck ND
    Jane will be missed by so many. Words can’t really express the feelings I have for Jane. When I think back to Wildrose memories, there aren’t many that don’t include Jane. The number of people she has influence and helped along the journey, during cancer and before is so remarkable, as she was.
    This new angel in heaven has left a huge void on earth.

  21. St. Cloud MN
    Jane was a dear friend while we lived in Fargo. She will be sorely missed. May God be with you all in this time of grief.

  22. Jane Gillund Family
    I am so sorry for your loss. I am Laine Richard’s sister and have known Jane through Laine for a long time. Jane was a great woman and I know she was a great friend to Laine. Jane will be missed. My condolences.
    Shirley Richard Kulla

  23. Crosby ND
    Neal and family…

    Gerald Gillund called me last night to share the sad news of Jane’s passing.

    Our sympathy to you and your family

    Rod & Sharon Gillund
    (As you may recall, I am your dad’s second cousin.)


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