
Janet Oma (Fairchild) Lindahl, age 71 of Andover, died unexpectedly on December 4, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 10th at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in East Bethel. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Janet was born to Stan and Oma (Jerve) Fairchild on March 12, 1953 in Montevideo. She surprised her parents as the second baby after her twin brother Jon, joining siblings Dean and Gayle. She grew up on a farm in Milan Minnesota, showing pigs in 4H, and spending much of her childhood out in the barn rather than the kitchen. The farm in Milan was a part of her heart and soul, and she was grateful to share it with her kids and grandkids upon moving back to it in 1998.
After high school, she went to college to be a nurse and met the love of her life, Dennis, after he stole her car to get her attention (successfully). They married in Milan in 1972. While raising 3 girls, she worked in the emergency room as a nurse. Later in her career, she was a nurse at the Appleton prison and also in several different clinics for many years in St. Cloud, Sauk Centre, and Appleton, MN. She was proud of her service to health care. She used these skills for many years caring for her mother who passed earlier this year at the age of 99. She was a proud law enforcement spouse and mother, and helped carry the weight that the badge means for a family. For many years, this meant being the caretaker for the riderless horse for many in the line of duty funerals that Dennis participated in with Minnesota’s Law Enforcement Memorial Association. Her love of animals was a constant in her life and she always had a dog by her side. We know there was a lifetime of pets greeting her with wagging tails in heaven. Her greatest love was for her grandchildren and supporting them in every way possible, even braving every extreme of weather to be their biggest fan.
Janet is survived by her husband Dennis Lindahl of Andover MN, daughters Kelly (Tim) Gerber, Sarah (Zach) Lindahl-Pfieffer, and Allyson (Lance) Christianson, and her grandchildren Taylor (Dillon), Quinn (Alex), Owen, Ruby, Ireland, Cooper, Emersyn, Oakley, and bonus grandson Wyatt. Her siblings Dean (Diane) Fairchild, Jon (Barb) Fairchild, and Gayle (Tom) Schuster, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents Stan and Oma, nephew Patrick, great-niece Charlotte, and many aunts and uncles.
Very very sorry to hear this sad news. Hugs to the entire family.
I have not had the pleasure of meeting Janet but know she was a wonderful mom and person by the stories my beautiful friend, Kelly shares. My condolences and prayers to all during this incredibly difficult time.
With prayers,
Michelle Sjolund
I knew Janet and Denny from the time I was a stupid teenager until this very day. Janet is the most amazingly warm, funny, approachable, and SINCERE soul I know. She is my friend, and my mentor… She ALWAYS had advice and a hug when I needed it. God has always had this soul, she has had wisdom, patience and love ❤️ for people she felt in her life. I am happy and privileged to call Janet my friend. God bless all who survive this very beautiful gift, and know in my heart I am remembering this huge soul with so much love. Hugs to you all. Kelly, I changed your diaper.
Very sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you all and sending prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time.
I remember the fun times we had back at your home in Sauk Centre, the first time was for a birthday party for Ally and then it was Girl Scouts another night. Everyone was so welcoming and Janet was a great hostess!! She will be missed by all who knew her. ❤️
So sorry for your loss. The Fairchild’s were very close friends to our parents. God Bless
I knew Denny and Janet when I was still living in Appleton, before moving to Utah in 1978. She was a dear friend to me and gave me lots of advice during my first pregnancy. We eventually saw each other again a few years ago during a trip to Vegas. And recently connected again thru Facebook. She was a kind soul and I’ll never forget her. I wish for Gods comfort for Denny and her family. Rest in peace, dear Janet.
What a lovely tribute to her memory. I’m holding you all close in my thoughts. I cannot imagine your heartbreak.
Very sorry to hear about the loss of Janet. Dennis and Ally, you are both in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of this sad news. My thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Cheryl Budnick
Thoughts and prayers to Dennis, Ally and the entire Lindahl family at this difficult time
My Condolences to you Ally and Family, so sorry to hear this news
My deepest condolences to all who loved Janet. This is an extremely difficult time but you can survive this tremendous loss. Time, tears and work will move you forward. God’s strength and peace to all.
Our sympathies to the Lindahl family. We have wonderful memories from Ortonville when we were all located there. Lots of potlucks and kid play dates after church were highlights for us.
We were very sad to hear the news of Janet’s passing. We are unable to attend the funeral and want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Denny, your LEMA family will always have your back. God bless Janet and cherish the good memories forever.
Dennis and Family,
On behalf of the Support Staff in D2600, you have our deepest condolences.
God Bless you All.
I am so sorry for your loss, Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Dear Dennis,
I received the sad news about Janet from my older sister, Gloria. She was sketchy about what went wrong, perhaps sepsis (infection) that caused Janet’s heart to stop. Whatever happened does not diminish the pain of losing your dear wife of 52 years so suddenly and unexpectedly while still in the prime of life. I can hardly imagine.
Janet was six years younger than me, in the same Milan class as my sister, Beverly. I called Bev with the news and we reminisced about Janet. Bev remembered playing with Janet at the Fairchild farm house, how in grade school they both were fans of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. And, of course, we were all in the same 4H club together. As our close neighbors growing up, my connection to the Fairchilds goes back a long way. That connection was and still is special to me. I think that Fairchild/Lundgren connection was also special to Janet. When bumping into her (and you) over the years in Milan and/or Appleton, if Janet saw me first, she would go out of her way to get my attention and say hello. Her obituary picture, with her inimitable smile, captures Janet perfectly as I remember her, always so friendly and cheerful. I am sorry for your loss. In Sympathy, John Lundgren
Denny, I am so saddened to hear about your sudden loss of your very dear wife Janet. Having met her a very long time ago while we attended the trooper academy, I know what a terrible loss this is to you. My prayers go out to you and the girls.
As a classmate of Dennis and their mailman for decades, it broke my heart when I heard the news. She was a wonderful person, a true gem. My deepest sympathy.