Janet M. Patterson

Janet M. Patterson passed away on August 3rd, 2025 with her daughter by her side in her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born October 18th, 1932, in DeKalb, the daughter of Roy and Mildred Johnson. She was proud of her small-town roots and often shared fond memories of growing up with her family and siblings, Bill, Mariann and Bruce. Jan was a DeKalb High School Graduate, then married Jim Patterson in 1952 and started their family, settling in Rockford, Illinois. Children Stephen, Douglas, Bradley, Ronald and Nancy called Rockford and the house on Constance Drive, their home.

Her marriage ended in 1967, and Jan entered the workforce in the early ‘70’s and worked at various employers in the Rockford area, including doctor’s offices, auto dealerships, finally ending her career as a business administrator at Saws International. Her “can do” attitude and her ease in learning new skills and ability to work with people enabled her to support her family.

Jan was married to Gerry Tollefsrud in 1991, starting a new episode in her life. She and Gerry enjoyed their life together, sharing old friends, making new friends and traveling the US and enjoyed a trip to Europe together. Of course, there was time for staying involved with her siblings and family reunions, grandchildren and hosting many memorable Thanksgiving Dinners, annual Christmas parties, and the annual “Boys’ Birthday” party each August.

In 2018, Jan sold her home in which she raised her family and had lived in for 61 years, and moved to Las Vegas to be near her daughter, Nancy. Nancy and Jan had a special bond and were friends as much as mother and daughter. They spent her last years together, making new friends, attending Aces basketball games and enjoying an occasional minute or two at a blackjack table. Most of all, Jan was proud of her family and loved to be known as “Sister, “Mom”, “Aunt Jan” and “Grandma”.

She leaves behind to mourn their loss; her sister Mariann and brother-in-law Gunner, son Bradley and daughter in-law Susan, daughter Nancy and daughter in-law Teri, grandchildren Dylan (Drea) and Lucas (Anita), Benjamin (Brittany), Erika (Nate), Kimberly, Bri and Allison, 4 Great-grandchildren, special nieces and nephews and their families, and many friends.

Memorial Service to be held September 12th, at 2:00pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Machesney Park, Illinois. Visitation one hour prior.