Janet Marie Czichotzki

Janet Marie Czichotzki (Hunkins), passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, in Fergus Falls, having lived a life defined by care, devotion, and the warmest generosity of spirit. Born on June 5, 1939, in Doran Minnesota, Janet’s story is woven into the fabric of her hometown and the hearts of all those fortunate enough to know her.

Janet and her family lived in Doran, Minnesota before her father accepted a job and the family briefly moved to Bronx, New York where her father worked in a plant producing supplies for the military during the war. As the war, and threat to the United States worsened, her family moved back to Doran as they felt Doran was a safer, small town that was less likely to be attacked. Growing up in Doran, Minnesota, Janet attended elementary school at the local schoolhouse and graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1957. After graduation, Janet and Jerry Czichotzki were married and bought a small house on 11st Street North in Breckenridge, before selling that and moving in with Jerry’s parents temporarily before purchasing the lot next door and built their future house together. Janet and Jerry spent their entire married life together on 11th Street North in Breckenridge, Minnesota!

Janet embraced many vocations over the years, reflecting her adaptability and deep commitment to service. She devoted her talents and energies to roles at St Francis Home, Red River Valley Clinic, Breckenridge Public School, Wahpeton Electric, Andeen’s Insurance Agency, and Econofoods. Her natural gift with words and her love of storytelling also led her to contribute as a writer for the Wahpeton/Breckenridge Daily News.

Janet’s legacy extends far beyond her professional accomplishments. She will be remembered for her radiant creativity: crafting intricate costumes for parades, joyfully playing a multitude of musical instruments, and writing and singing her own songs. The echoes of her laughter and song filled rooms, gatherings, and the lives of those around her. Janet’s love for gardening was perhaps best embodied in her carefully tended roses, admired by neighbors and friends alike. Her talent and affection blossomed in every corner of her home, nowhere more so than in the lovingly designed Barbie doll clothing she created for her grandchildren.

Holidays sparkled a little brighter at Janet’s house. She took special joy in decorating, especially for Halloween and Christmas. Her dazzling Christmas light displays became a cherished tradition, attracting headlines in the local paper and features on WDAY and KVLY.

Janet’s personal warmth was matched by her tireless spirit of service. She was widely known as someone who would always step forward to help, organizing countless benefits and fundraisers, always guided by compassion and conviction. Whether serving as a Sunday school teacher and youth leader for Trinity Episcopal Church, lending her energy to the Breckenridge Fire Department Auxiliary, leading as President of the Breckenridge PTA, guiding Daniel’s Cub Scout troop or fostering local talent as Chairman and organizer of the Wilkin County Hobby and Talent Show, Janet left an indelible mark on her community.

Janet’s deepest devotion was always felt by her family. She is survived by her beloved children, Cindy (Tom) Deal, Geralyn (Bruce) Hoglin, and Dan (Kathy) Czichotzki; her grandchildren, Jason (Mary) Deal, Katie (Cody Stuhaug) Kohoutek, Jolynn (Evan) Betts, Sarah (Zac) Bremmon, Morgan Czichotzki, and Jared Hoglin; her brother-in-law Dan Jaeb; her sister Judy (Roger) Harty; nine great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren with one on the way; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Each of them carries forward her legacy of kindness, creativity, and boundless love.

Janet is reunited in peace with her dear husband, Jerry Czichotzki; her parents, Ernest and Blanche Hunkins; her brother, James Hunkins; her father-in-law, Alvin Czichotzki; her mother-in-law, Margaret Czichotzki; and her sisters-in-law Donna Van Tassel, Marjean Jaeb, and Shirley Hunkins-Cherry, whose memories live on in stories shared and bonds never broken.

Visitation for Janet Marie Czichotzki will take place at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home in Breckenridge on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A funeral service to honor and celebrate her remarkable life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Breck Lutheran Church, with burial at Riverside Cemetery in Breckenridge.

In remembering Janet, we remember a life marked by welcome, by wisdom, and by the quiet heroism of steadfast care. We cherish her memory—the gentle gardener of roses and hearts—whose kindness and radiant spirit will endure in all of us who had the privilege to know and love her.

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