Archived Services

Mary “Jan” Janice Aalberg
07-16-2021

Mary “Jan” Janice (Donelan) Aalberg, 85, passed away July 16, 2021 in Sioux Falls. She was born February 13, 1936 to James and Laura (Meinser) Donelan in Sioux Falls.

Jan attended St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic School. On May 12, 1956, she married Benjamin “Bennie” H. Aalberg; together, they built a life and a family with three children: Michael (Pat) Aalberg of Lincoln, NE, Barbara (Tim) Kaffar of Zap, ND, and David (Kim) Aalberg of Sioux Falls, SD; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Jan loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to bake, and you would often be guaranteed a sweet treat when visiting. Jan was also a seamstress, always altering outfits with hems and zippers, and later finding a passion for quilting after making a quilt for her first great-grandchild. Jan and Barb together assembled dozens of quilts for family, and even more as donations for Make-A-Wish and The Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery which she held close to her heart. Jan and her husband, Ben, were founding members of the St. Michael’s Parish in Sioux Falls. When Jan wasn’t baking or quilting, she was traveling, playing the slot machines, fishing with her husband, reading, finishing word finds, and shopping online for the best deals. Her relationship with family was the greatest priority, and they each have a special place in her heart.

In addition to her children, Jan is survived by her siblings, Bev (Curt) Thompson, Jim Donelan, Joseph (Jolene) Donelan, all of Sioux Falls, and Joan (Marvin) Loutsch of LeMars, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Vincent Donelan, and her husband.
Jan passed away in her home on July 16, 2021, after spending her final days visiting and surrounded by loved ones. She will be missed, her comforting smile, quilts, and sweet treats (especially her apple pie) are gone, but not forgotten.

Donations may be directed to the South Dakota Chapter for Make-A-Wish/Donate, Mary Aalberg.

Visitation will be Monday, July 19, 9:30 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church with a Memorial Mass to follow at 10:30 AM.