Jane Bristol Erlandson

Jane Bristol Erlandson, of Fargo, N.D., died peacefully at the age of 99, at Villa Maria Nursing Home, on March 24, 2014.

Jane was born August 3, 1914, along with her identical twin, to William and Martha Bristol of Fargo. She graduated from Fargo Central High School and N.D.A.C. with honors. While in college, Jane was Most Representative Senior, president of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, 1936 Homecoming Queen, and a Mortar Board member, a senior honor society for women. She was also a member of Senior Division of R.O.T.C., active in Bison Brevities, and voted into Who's Who In American Universities and Colleges. Jane earned a degree in home economics merchandising and education. Following graduation, she worked at deLendrecies Department Store, Dakota Clinic, taught at Valley City, N.D. and managed a lunch room in Detroit, MI.

Jane was married to Dr. John Bartley, a Fargo dentist, on November 26, 1942. In 1950, Jane returned to teaching, first at Moorhead High School, then Ben Franklin Junior High in Fargo. She earned her M.A. from N.D.S.U. in1962. Jane shared her love of the lakes with her family as they enjoyed summers on Lake Melissa. Her father, William Bristol, summered as a child in the Shoreham area, and passed on his love of the lake to his daughters. For a few years, Jane and her sister had cottages next to each other on Melissa.

On March 28, 1964, Jane married Dean Erlandson, of Hettinger, N.D. Their love and commitment for each other was obvious to all who knew them. They traveled extensively in their travel trailer, returning to Lake Melissa in the summers. They lived in Clearwater, FL and Sun City, AZ. They volunteered in hospitals, enjoyed entertaining friends, square dancing, playing cards, and were active members of their church. Jane was an active member of the PEO Sisterhood for 71 years. In 1989 they returned to Fargo due to Dean's health. Dean died in 2001, from Alzheimer's disease. During the 3 years that he was in Villa Maria, Jane visited him twice every day regardless of the weather.

Jane had a great spirit and was always interested in people and new adventures. She loved storms on the lake. Jane was always busy, knitting, sewing, weaving, and stitching. She loved her daily walks and swimming at the YMCA.

She is survived by her three children, Elizabeth Seabaugh (Rusby) of Kalispell, MT, Mary Bradford (Don) of Venice, FL, and John Bartley (Janet) of Fargo; 9 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dean; and her twin sister, Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Hunter.

Due to the wonderful, loving care that both Jane and Dean received from staff and caregivers at Villa Maria, memorials may be sent to Villa Maria for the Residents