Janet Rose Magnuson, 67 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away after bravely fighting a five-year battle with
cancer, on Sunday, September 1, 2024. She was born November 7, 1956, in Mendota, IL to Rosemary
(Younglove) Lieving. Janet graduated from La Moille High School in Illinois. She was very active in her
community as a member of the Valparaiso Women's Club, Porter County Master Gardeners, American
Legion Post 502 in South Haven, and Superintendent of Flowers for the Porter County Fair. Janet also
enjoyed volunteering as a scorekeeper for the Valparaiso High School Gymnastics team, playing euchre
with her card club, and making elaborate gingerbread houses. She was talented with gardening, crafting,
and sewing, making beautiful quilts, and remarkable dresses for little girls. Janet had a big heart and a
passion to help those in need. She was a fighter and a force to be reckoned with. Her feisty personality,
caring nature, and strength through adversity will be remembered by her family and friends. Janet will be
dearly missed by all who knew her.
On December 7, 1974, in Mendota, IL, Janet married Neil Magnuson, who preceded her in death in 2020.
She is survived by their daughters: Jennifer Magnuson of Valparaiso, IN, and Jill (Joe) DiGiorgio of
Greenfield, WI; grandchildren: Victora Magnuson, Jacob, Joey, and Lucia DiGiorgio; companion, Frank
VanAutreve; siblings: Peggy (Mark) McMurray, and Jeff (Mary) Schwartz; stepfather, Herm Lieving;
found family, Alberta and Wayne Cretsinger; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death
by her mother, Rosemary Lieving; and brother, Doug Schwartz.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Moeller Funeral
Home,  104  Roosevelt  Rd., Valparaiso,  IN.   Janet   will   be   laid   to   rest  privately  at   Mendota   Lutheran
Cemetery in Mendota, IL on Saturday. Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post
502, 429 West 750 North, South Haven, IN 46383.