Janet Harbo

She died peacefully Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at her home.

Janet was brought into this world at her parents’ home in Hopkins, Jan. 28, 1939, to parents Myrl and Debbie (Fox) Jehoich. Janet grew up in Hopkins where she was baptized as an infant and confirmed in her youth in the Methodist faith. She attended school there as well before meeting Mr. Merle Harbo on a blind date. The couple was united in marriage on June 11, 1955, in Hopkins. They began married life in Texas where Merle was stationed with the United States Army.

Janet and Merle spent 31 years of marriage together prior to his death in 1986 and they raised 4 children: Randy, Gary, Mark, and Debby. The family lived in Minneota, Milroy, and Marshall before settling in Lynd in 1963 — in the same home that Janet cared for all these years since. It is no small wonder why she always made anyone who entered her house feel like family. Home was always where her heart was.

Janet began working as a nurse’s aide in the Marhsall nursing home, but her career culminated as management supervisor for the Schwan’s novelty ice cream plant in Marshall. Her greatest accomplishment in life was her role as a faithful soul mate to her husband, Merle, and her coveted role as a loving mother to her four children. Family was her most cherished possession.

She used her love of cooking, gardening and canning to bless the taste buds of everyone who visited her home. Janet had a servants’ heart and not a soul left her house without being filled with the warmth of her love as well as the joy of her cooking. The only desire she made upon a guest was to relax and play a card game of Hand and Foot while they enjoyed one another’s company. Her other enjoyments in life included traveling in the motorhome and tending to her gardens.

Janet was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by all… especially her strawberry rhubarb jam and Special K bars.

She is survived by her 4 children, Randy (and Nicki) Harbo of Green Valley, AZ, Gary (and Barbara) Harbo of Eagan, Mark (and Nancy) Harbo of Balaton, Debby Harbo of Sioux Falls; 9 grandchildren, Danny, Kari (and Adam), Gary Jr., Grant (and Nina), Gavin (and Arika), Travis, Trisha (and Jared), Tasha, Anthony (and Crystal); 14 great-grandchildren and another on the way; treasured neighbors who were like family — Billy and Amanda Boe; nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband Merle Harbo; parents, Myrl and Debbie Jehoich; and a great-granddaughter, Zariya Harbo.

Arrangements by

Hamilton Funeral Home

Marshall, Minnesota

507-532-2933

www.hamiltonfh.com