Janice Kay Kamletz

Janice K. Kamletz, 71, of Jamestown, ND, passed away Tuesday evening, March 17, 2026 at her home.

Janice Kay Kamletz was born in LaMoure, ND, on January 10, 1955, the daughter of Willie and Helen (Baumann) Kamletz. She attended grade school in Dickey and Adrian while living on the farm near Dickey. In 1963, her family moved to Oakes where she attended Oakes grade school from third grade until fifth grade. The family moved to Fargo in 1966 where Janice attended Lewis & Clark grade school and Agassiz Junior High, graduating from Fargo South High School in 1973.

Jan worked part-time at Western States Life while attending high school and continued to work there while attending college at NDSU and Moorhead State University. In 1979, Jan moved to Jamestown and worked for WedgCor Steel Building Systems until 1986. She began her postal career with the United States Postal Service in April 1986, where she continued to work until retiring in 2016.

Jan met her lifelong partner, Lloyd “Butch” Gardner, in Jamestown in 1971 and continued their relationship throughout the years, eventually purchasing a home together on the Jamestown Reservoir. Jan had a great love and respect for animals and wildlife. She enjoyed watching geese, ducks, deer, pelicans, fox, hummingbirds, and all sorts of wildlife on the lake outside her door – sometimes having the rare treat of seeing an eagle searching for food along the banks.

Her most passionate love was for her pets, many of which have preceded her in death. This includes Honeyface, Romeo (only the cat); Charmin, Coco, Misty, Lacy, Scrubby, Toby and Sammy. Presently she shared her home with Sharon, Pepper, Charlie, and Ginger.

Jan also loved to travel to various parts of the country, especially the national parks – Glacier Park being a favorite. She also loved to visit Branson, MO and enjoyed the entertainment and food there. Jan liked to visit Medora almost every summer and spent time with relatives at various events. She especially loved listening to her cousins, Linda Erickson and Marlene Speidel, sing for family gatherings and Christmas at Marcy and Marlene’s homes.

Jan leaves behind a brother, Darwin Kamletz, Jamestown; many first, second, and third cousins that she considered nieces and nephews; and her soul mate and lifelong partner, L.D. “Butch” Gardner, Jamestown and his sister, Pam Thompson, Ft. Worth, TX who has been a guiding and helpful source through the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Christina and George Baumann and Lue and Gladys Kamletz; step mother, Geneva Kamletz; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

May she always be remembered for her admiration and wonderment of the natural world and trying to grow flowers. Her favorite times were being home, having a warm puppy to play with, and having a favorite pooch snuggle up with her on the couch. Jan loved her pets deeply and loved her family immensely. Do not grieve for her long, for she states, “she is finally getting the rest she never got when working nights.” She wants everyone to “Wonder” at the world, love and respect every living creature, and always do what’s right and do your best. Jan is at home with her Lord and Savior, and running in the fields with all her beloved pets.

Funeral Service – 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Jamestown, with Pastor Jennifer McDonald officiating.

Visitation – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 26 at Eddy Funeral Home.

Burial – Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown.