Janis Johnson

Janis Rae (Platt) Johnson, age 83, of Breckenridge, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 27, 2025, with her family at her side.

Janis was lovingly known as the “Lefse Queen” by her family and friends. She was a four-time consecutive recipient of the Silver Platter Award at the Wilkin County Fair and brought joy to hundreds each year with her homemade lefse and baked goods. Her greatest passion in life was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her home was always filled with laughter, activity, and the comforting aroma of something cooking in the kitchen.

Among her many cherished relationships, Janis shared a special bond with her grandson and roommate of the past six years, Jesse Johnson. Together, they enjoyed countless games of Bingo and Mexican Train, frequent thrift shopping adventures, and regular trips to her favorite treat stop, Dairy Queen. Janis also passed down her love for music, introducing Jesse to the timeless voices of Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. And while she loved all of her grandchildren dearly, Janis made no secret of the fact that Jesse held the official title of “favorite”—a distinction he proudly accepted.

Janis was married to Gary Johnson, a longtime officer with the Breckenridge Police Department. Together, they made their home in North Breckenridge, where they raised six children and helped shape a vibrant and close-knit neighborhood community often referred to as the “11th Street Clan.”

She is survived by her children: Kathy Schultz (Tim), Karla Soyring (Brian), Kenneth Johnson (Michelle), Karl Johnson (Janelle), and Kyle Johnson (Stacy); Brothers, Roland “Rocky” Platt (Cindy), James Platt, Allen Platt (Connie); along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members who continue to carry forward her legacy of love, hospitality, and family tradition.

Janis was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Johnson; daughter, Kristi Sprung; sister, Mary Brown; parents, Ray and Leora Platt; brother, Gerald “Jerry” Platt; infant twin sister, Jean; and infant brother, Ronald.

Her services will be held at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home in Wahpeton, with visitation scheduled for Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, followed by a prayer service at 6:30 pm. Her funeral service will be held on Monday, August 11th, at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment at 3:30 p.m. at Eagle Valley Cemetery in Christine, North Dakota.

Janis will be remembered for her warmth, her generosity, her sense of humor, and the many traditions she created that continue to live on through the lives she touched.

Memorials are preferred to Eagle Valley Cemetery in care of Eagle Valley Church, PO Box 21, Christine, ND 58015.