Janis Neameyer, 74, Lake Upsilon, ND, died Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at the family farm near Mylo, ND.

Janis Renee Neameyer was born in Bismarck, ND, on April 17, 1951, to Robert and Elizabeth (Albers) Ellis, and was their youngest child and only daughter. She was raised in Stanley, ND, and graduated from Severson High School in Stanley in 1969. She attended Minot State University, graduating in 1972 with Bachelor's degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education. During her time at MSU, she was active in Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, where she formed lifelong friendships.

On July 1, 1972, Janis married Roger (Rocky) Neameyer at American Lutheran Church in Stanley, and they moved to the family farm in Mylo to start their life together. Janis taught at Mylo until their first child, Nathan, was born. The family moved to Rolla where daughters, Nara and Ashley, were born.

Janis loved raising her kids and excelled at homemaking. In addition to supporting her family's activities, she was active at St. Joachim Catholic Church, and in groups like Zip Zip Homemakers, Jayceettes, Music Parents, and many more. Once her kids were all in school, Janis returned to teaching, working as a speech pathologist for both the Mt. Pleasant Public School and Peace Garden Special Services. She loved her students and poured into them as much as she could until her retirement in 2002.

A devoted friend, Janis spent time on golf and shopping trips, bowling league in her younger years and mahjong more recently. Rock and Janis spent 20 winters enjoying Branson, MO, before moving to Mesa, AZ, in 2021. Avid Bison fans, they travelled to Frisco for three National Championship games, but her favorite place to be was Lake Upsilon, especially when her grandkids were there. She never ran out of food and always had a baked treat (or 4) to share. Every hour was happy hour at the lake.

Janis's grandchildren provided so much light in her life, and she loved supporting all of their activities and interests. She inherited a love of baseball from her dad, and she and Rocky traveled to countless baseball games over the summers, watching all 6 of their grandsons play. She'd have made a great umpire or coach, or so she said when she disagreed with them.

Janis will be remembered for her devotion to her family and her generosity of spirit as a friend. Those who knew her well will also remember her stubborn streak as well as her caramel rolls, turtle cookies and Christmas divinity.

In addition to her husband of 53 years, Rocky, Janis is survived by her son, Nathan (Lisa) Neameyer of Mylo; daughter, Nara (Matt) Glasner of Bottineau; and daughter, Ashley (Ben) Strukel of Jamestown; along with nine grandchildren: Grace (Hayden) Hofstad, Hannah Neameyer, Maggie Neameyer, Gabe Glasner, Grady Glasner, Gunder Glasner, Theo Strukel, Harrison Strukel, and Henry Strukel. She is also survived by brothers, Robert Ellis, Dale (Dolly) Ellis, and Mark (Ellen) Ellis and siblings-in-law, Rick (Sue) Neameyer, Karen (Gil) Groth, and Sandy (Greg) Mitchell, along with many nieces and nephews.

Janis was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Bess Ellis; her parents-in-law, Robert and Helen Neameyer; a sister-in-law, Lois Ellis; and a niece, Kandy Hollekim.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at St. Joachim Catholic Church, Rolla, ND with a Rosary at 10 a.m. prior to the funeral Mass. Burial will take place in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Rolla, ND, at a later date. Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Thaines Arulandu. Lunch will be served following the funeral at the Rolla American Legion cabin.

In lieu of flowers, Janis asked that donations be made to the Sonshine Hospitality Home, 933 Duke Drive, Grand Forks, ND, 58201 or Parkview Assisted Living, 618 8th Ave NE, Rolla, ND 58367.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.