Janet Courtney

Janet M. Courtney, age 84, of Yankton, South Dakota, died on Monday, November 27, 2023 at her home surrounded by her children after fighting a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Joe Forcelle officiating.  Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton.  Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 29 at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM.  Visitation continues one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Pallbearers are Tom Courtney, Jim Drotzmann, Tom Gilmore, Dave Jerke, Chris Jerke and Pat Kotalik.  Honorary pallbearers are Teresa Courtney and members of the St. Isidore Circle.

Janet was born December 24, 1938 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to William and Frances (Totusek) Freidel.  The family moved to Yankton in 1944 and Janet graduated from Yankton High School in 1956.  During high school, Janet worked at Randall’s Grocery Store and then later as a secretary for Security National Bank.  On October 8, 1960, Janet married the love of her life, Clarence Courtney.  After their marriage, they lived and farmed northwest of Yankton where they raised their two children, Teresa and Tom.  Janet was instrumental in the farming operation and involved with every aspect.  Also throughout the years, Janet worked as a secretary for Sacred Heart Parish, was a religious education teacher, and former member of the St. Isidore Circle.  She drove bus for the Yankton School District for over 20 years and was the first woman school bus driver in Yankton County.  Janet also worked at the Coyote Student Center at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.  She enjoyed helping the students and really anyone for that matter.

Janet enjoyed sewing, embroidering, gardening, and singing in the St. Benedict’s Choir.  She was an amazing cook and excellent baker, especially known for her kolaches.  But her favorite food to eat was a big bowl of vanilla ice cream.  Janet was a very devoted wife and mother who loved her husband and children with all her heart.  She instilled strong values in her children, especially to always be honest and kind.  She was a strong and faithful woman who always strived to do what was right.  Janet had a saying which she always told her children, “Once a task is once begun, never leave it ‘til it’s done.  Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.”

Janet is survived by two children, Teresa Courtney and Tom Courtney, both of Yankton; brother, Arnold (Beth) Freidel of Savannah, MO; niece, Kristi Beavers; nephew, David Freidel; and four great nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence on July 5, 2011; parents; sister, Shirley Freidel; brother, Alan (Lila) Freidel; and an infant child.