Janice Gusenius

Janice Gusenius, 73, of Bristol, passed away, Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Sun Dial Manor in Bristol.

Funeral services will be 1pm Monday, February 19, 2024 at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster. Interment will be at the Webster Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services.

Janice Marie Smith was born April 23, 1950, in Aberdeen, SD to Kenneth Lee and Margaret Marie (Crawford) Smith. The family farmed in Spink County, near Mellette.

Her mother's hard-fought battle with cancer ended when Janice was almost two. Janice was raised by her father and paternal grandmother, Ruth Smith. She grew up in Mellette, attending school and the United Methodist Church. Janice graduated from Northwestern High School in 1968, followed by two years at Northern College in Aberdeen, SD. She gained a stepfamily in 1968, when her father married Catherine (Fey) Gilman.

On Jan. 6, 1973, Janice married David Allen Gusenius in Aberdeen, SD. They made their home in Bristol, SD. Two children were born to this union. Janice lost her loving and devoted spouse on March 23, 2010. She continued to reside in Bristol. 

Janice enjoyed reading, working puzzles, and watching western shows.

Janice passed away at Bristol, South Dakota at the age of 73 years, 9 months, and 18 days.

Janice is survived by her daughter, Marie Gusenius of Aberdeen, SD, her son, Fr. LeeAllen Fortin, of Decatur, IN; one granddaughter, Angelea Crawford of Aberdeen, several cousins stepsiblings, and special cousin Jackie DuBois.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her stepmother; paternal grandparents, Edward "Lee" and Ruth (Stelle) Smith; maternal grandparents, Lewis and Alma (Ohloff) Crawford; and an older brother, Joseph Allan Smith, who died in infancy.  

Our family would like to extend our utmost gratitude to the caregivers who have been able to care for and spend time with Janice throughout the years.