Janet Follingstad

Janet Lois Follingstad, age 86, of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 14, 2026. She had resided at an assisted living facility in Richfield, Minnesota, for the past few years before moving to a memory care unit in Prior Lake, Minnesota.

Janet was born on July 9, 1940, in Pelican Rapids, MN, to Martin and Alma Haugen. She loved growing up on the family farm just west of Pelican Rapids and continued to remember remarkable details from those childhood years even while battling dementia until the very end. Her fondness and empathy for animals were fostered by those early experiences. She later attended beauty school and had a brief career in the field before starting a family.

On May 23, 1962, Janet married Orlando Follingstad. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage and built a life centered around family, friendship, and faith. She was known by friends and family for her sweetness, generosity, and creativity. Her hobbies and interests included cooking, gardening, music, dancing, and spending countless hours collecting treasures at garage sales. Above all, she cherished raising her family and the time she was able to spend with her grandchildren.

Janet is survived by her three sons, Orin (Jill) of Erhard, MN, Mike (Jill) of Prior Lake, MN, and Steve (Terri) of Moorhead, MN; daughter, Judy (Brad) Ray of New Hope, MN; five grandchildren, Jay and Drew Follingstad, Mya and Mari Follingstad, and Lucia Ray; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Orlando; son, Jeff; parents, Martin and Alma Haugen; and siblings Glanis E. Haugan, Duane Orren Haugen, Darlene Haugen Bischoff, Jerome Haugen, Manley Haugen, and Delores Haugen Sorum.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, 301 Washington Ave. E., Fergus Falls, MN, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.

The family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to all the caregivers, family members, and friends for the compassion and care they provided throughout the final years of Janet's life.

Janet will be remembered for her generous heart and unwavering love for her family. Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched.