Janet Poertner

Janet Poertner, 78, of Winifred, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 21, 2024 at the Valle Vista Nursing Home in Lewistown. She was born in Lewistown, MT on April 9, 1946 to her parents, Walter and Bernice Udelhoven. She was raised in Winifred and graduated with honors from Winifred High School in 1964. She also attended the University of Montana graduating with a degree in Accounting in 1968.

Janet married Ron Poertner on June 25, 1969. Ron was an Army commissioned officer and she accompanied him to multiple Army posts in the U.S and to overseas areas including Germany and South Korea.

When Ron was stationed in Virginia, Janet was employed there as manager of a Tuesday Morning retail store for several years. Following Ron’s retirement from active duty, they returned to live in Winifred in 1997.

Janet enjoyed gardening and keeping up with multiple flower beds throughout her yard during the summer months. Quilting was one of her favorite winter pastimes and she served as the librarian at the Dorothy Asbjornson Library in Winifred from 2005-2021. She was a member of the Winifred Pinochle Club, Garden Club, and the Lady’s Red Hat Society, but always found time to maintain her status as a world class shopaholic.

Janet is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ron Poertner of Winifred; her sons, Andrew Poertner of Lewistown, Bryan Poertner (Stacey) of Christiansburg, Virginia, and Jeffrey Poertner (Michelle) of Cantonsville, Maryland, grandchildren Ryan Poertner, Ashley Poertner, and Greyson Poertner, sisters Judy Brooks of Winifred, Andrea Skaurud (Byron) of Olympia, Washington, Cathy Jones of Kent, Washington, Carla Hamilton (Don) of Kent, Washington, and brother Bruce Udelhoven (Cheryl) of Winifred. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Bernice Udelhoven, and her sister Wilma Econom.

Visitation will be Friday, May 3, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Cloyd Funeral Home in Lewistown. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00 am at Cloyd Funeral Home. A graveside service and burial will follow at the Winifred Cemetery (approx. 1:00 pm). Reverend Andrew Bridgeman will be officiating. Please join the family for a reception at the Winifred Community Center following the graveside service.

Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com

Charitable donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Fund in Janet’s name or to a charity of one’s choosing.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cloyd Funeral Home.