Janet Lavonne (Sweany) Mehlhaff was born September 4, 1947, in Pierre, SD to Roy and Gladys (Baker) Sweany. She spent her youth in Onida, SD and Volga, SD. She attended Sioux Valley Schools.
She married Robert Anderson on November 21, 1965, in Volga at First Presbyterian Church. They had two children Troy (Sara) Anderson and Trudi (Anderson) Keil. On August 13, 1983, she married Frederick (Rick) Mehlhaff.
Janet worked for 3M in Brookings, SD, before moving to Eureka, SD. Janet and Rick owned and operated the Eureka Motel, before moving to Florida, where they purchased the Marathon Fishing Village Resort in the Florida Keys. In the years that followed, they bought and sold additional businesses, including a resort on Lake Taneycomo, Forsyth, Missouri, and a campground near Abilene, Texas. Janet spent her retired years in The Woodlands, Texas, and on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Janet met many friends while residing in The Woodlands. She was actively involved with Breast Friends – The Woodlands, a support group and, also Pink Peppers, a team that raised money for breast cancer treatments and research. Janet loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She had a huge heart and helped family and friends in their time of need.
Janet L. Mehlhaff passed away on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Memorial Herman Hospital, The Woodlands, Tx., after a short illness following surgery.
Janet is survived by her son Troy Anderson and her daughter Trudi Keil. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ethan and Anna Anderson, Truman Keil, and Ellen and Grace Burns. Sisters Jackie Braun and Royette Sweany, along with several nieces and one nephew.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Gladys, sister and brother-in-law Lanita and Lyle Arndt, and daughter-in-law Sarah Anderson.