Janice Block

– Janice Marie Day Block, 80, of Polson, passed away Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, at St. Patrick Hospital. She blessed us and so many with her gifts of time, teaching, service and her smile.

Janice was born Jan. 14, 1936, in Minot, North Dakota, to Kathryn and Sherman Day. She was educated in Minot public schools, participating in many school activities, Rainbow and church. In 1958 she graduated from Minot State College with a degree in English education. That fall she began her teaching career in Great Falls.

On June 21, 1959, she married Jacob Block. Between 1959 and 1963, the couple lived in Great Falls, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Fargo, North Dakota. They returned to Great Falls where in 1964 Janice taught at East Junior High and later became a full-time mother. She was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and Redeemer Lutheran Church.

In 1979, she and her family moved to Missoula, where she taught English at Target Range School. In 1994, she and Jake moved to Polson, where the couple lived for 21 years and eventually retired. She was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the Polson community. For health reasons, the couple moved to Missoula in 2015, where they lived at The Springs.

No matter where her home, Janice was engaged in her community and church. She was involved in PEO, C.M. Russell Museum, Lutheran Social Services, and served her church in numerous roles including choir, education, administration and evangelism.

As a young lady, Janice was a gifted dancer and figure skater, participating in several recitals and ice follies. She was an avid baker and gardener, nurturing everything within reach. Janice enjoyed the arts and travel as well, and took a notable trip with Jake, sister Priscilla, and brother-in-law Jerry to Ireland, Scotland and England to explore her family heritage.

Janice was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandma, friend and neighbor. Her family and friends describe her well: selfless, kind, giving, strong enough to beat cancer, forever hopeful, servant, Child of God.

She was intentional about giving her time, listening without distraction, bearing witness to each and every one. She was present.

Her smile brightened the room and became for us a life lesson. Through it we heard, “Welcome!”; “How are you, dear ones?”; “It is so good to see you;” “What’s new in your world?”

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Kathryn and Sherman Day; brother, Eddie; and many aunts and uncles.

Survivors include her husband, Jake Block of Missoula; two sons and their families, Jeffrey (Kristin) Block of Minneapolis and Joel (Kim) Block of Missoula; seven grandchildren, Aron, Marit, Elsa, Siri, Logan, Tanner and Kai; sister, Priscilla (Jerry) Wilson of Bismarck, North Dakota; nephew Bradley (Liz) Wilson and niece LeAnne (Gary) DeFrance and their families; and numerous in-laws.

We give thanks for the love and support of all caregivers, especially and most recently those serving at The Springs, Riverside Health Care Center and St. Patrick Hospital.

We look forward to celebrating Janice’s life Saturday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson with Pastor Paul Rowold officiating. A lunch reception will follow. In honor of Janice’s wishes, memorial gifts may be sent to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp or Lutheran Social Services of Montana.