Janet T. Bygd

Janet T. Bygd age 81, of Colfax, WI passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025 in Eau Claire after a 5-year battle with lung cancer.

She was born September 8, 1943 in St. Paul, MN to Edward Olmschenk and Philomena (Doll), the fourth of six children. Janet graduated from high school in 1961.

Janet married Edward N. Katuin in 1963 and resided first in St Paul, MN, then eventually settling on a 25-acre property near Connorsville, WI, where the couple raised 4 children, Joseph, David, Laurie and Jeff.

Janet and Edward divorced in 1984. Janet married Roger Bygd and the couple lived on a small dairy farm near Connorsville, WI. In 2005 Janet divorced and then moved to a wooded property in Colfax, WI.

Janet’s career focused on human services, starting with work as a nurse’s aide in the 1970s and finishing her career as a job coach at Chippewa River Industries, where she worked with special needs clients to achieve vocational independence. Janet retired after 15 years of service in 2023. Janet also spent time as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion at St Joseph Catholic Church.

Janet was an avid gardener and specialized in canning with a focus on dill pickles, tomatoes, and apple sauce. Janet also enjoyed wildlife photography, especially at her Colfax property.

Janet is survived by her children, Joseph (Caren), David (Erika), Laurie, and Jeff (Melissa); grandchildren, Michael, Chase (Krystin), Kristen, Aidan, Abby (Tristan), Carter and Tyler; and great grandchildren, Creed and Percy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Philomena; brothers, Ralph and Jerry; sisters, Jean and Carol; ex-husbands Edward and Roger; and her beloved companions Boone and Maggie.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI, with Fr. John Mano officiating.

Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 and again on Wednesday, August 20, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., prior to the service, all at Olson Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Menomonie, WI.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com