Janet Nellie French Wells

Janet Nellie French Wells was born May 19th, 1931 in Royal Oak, Michigan to parents John and Henrietta French. She attended Northwood Elementary School and then Royal Oak High School, graduating in 1949. She continued her education starting at Central Michigan College in Pre-nursing, completing her nursing degree at Harper Hospital School of Nursing in 1953. As a child, she enjoyed playing football with her younger brother Ron and partaking in various girl clubs and school clubs. During World War II, Jan and her best friend Natalie collected aluminum and donated it for the war effort. While she was attending Central Michigan College, she met her future husband Jim on a blind date. She had been dating another young man at the time and for a bit, she continued to date both, but in the end, Jim won her heart. They were married June 6th, 1953 in Royal Oak, Michigan. Janet worked as a nurse at various doctor’s offices, hospitals and nursing homes and enjoyed the work. Always a helpful and caring person, this was the perfect profession for her. She once was on a routine home call when suddenly the expectant mother went into labor, which was a complete surprise. Jan was more than qualified and delivered the baby. It was a moment she never forgot and has shared that memory with her family. She also ran the family sporting goods representative business, French-Wells and Associates, while Jim was on the road. An avid bridge player, Janet earned the moniker “Iron Duke” from her family due to her ability and skill of the game. She played in various duplicate bridge tournaments locally and won many Master bridge points along the way. She also enjoyed ping-pong, chess, Monopoly, Tripoley, and golf. She also loved to put together puzzles and play Bingo. Janet opened her heart and adopted her two children, David from Arizona and Tammy from Minnesota. Settling in Excelsior, Minnesota, the family enjoyed camping, time at the local beaches on Lake Minnetonka, and vacations to see grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Janet stayed busy keeping track of all the school activities between the two kids, and was always on the run between swim practices, dance lessons and political fundraisers. She also opened her home by hosting various exchange students from different countries. A favorite memory for her and her children was on her 90th birthday, when she joined them at a local Omaha shooting range and shot a pistol for the first time in her life. The smile on her face was enough to know it was a large “bucket list” item finally checked off her list. Janet loved ice cream, milk shakes, chocolate, candy, and just about anything sweet. She loved her outings to Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers restaurant where she could get everything she loved to eat. Janet was loving, witty, smart, strong, and devoted to family and friends. She touched many lives in many ways. Janet passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2024 at age 93 at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Omaha. She is preceded in death by her husband Jim, and parents John and Henrietta. She is remembered by her brother Ron and family, son David and daughter Tammy and their families, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Claire Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women CBLWomen.org Herdon, VA 20170

Janet Nellie French Wells

May 19, 1931 - June 8, 2024