Janice “Jan” Louise (Baker) Bollish passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026 at the age of 91 in North Platte, Nebraska.

Janice was born on July 24, 1934, in Ericson, Nebraska, to Ernest “Stanley” and Hilma Baker, the youngest of four daughters. Her childhood was shaped by life on the farm, where she helped her mother in the home and worked alongside her father with daily farm chores, including shocking and threshing, haying, and caring for horses. She and her sisters also walked miles into town for school each day — later fondly teased by her children that they must have walked “uphill both ways in a blizzard.”

She graduated from Ericson High School in 1951 and went on to earn her degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1956. She began her teaching career in a rural school near Ord, later teaching home economics in Wilber, Hebron, and Lincoln.

On June 1, 1958, she married Alvin “Al” Bollish. Together, they built their life and raised five children on the Bollish family farm where Alvin grew up, eventually building a new home just west of the original home place. Alongside raising her family and keeping a home known for her wonderful cooking, Janice worked for several years in North Platte with Schwesers, Northwestern Bell, New York Life, and the Extension Service. These were busy and fulfilling years, made even more joyful as their children grew, married, and brought into the family cherished grandchildren.

In retirement, Janice remained deeply engaged in her community. She was active in extension clubs, played piano at Wellfleet Methodist Church, and volunteered with the DAR, Lincoln County Historical Society, and North Platte Visitor Center. She also supported fundraising efforts for North Platte United Methodist Women. A lifelong Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, she was a constant presence of support and pride. She also loved attending her grandchildren’s school activities, reading, and doing puzzles.

One of her greatest passions was genealogy. Her research generated countless family stories (binders full), which were compiled into a family book, “Tales Told Along the Way”. Her dedication to family history also led to meaningful travels to Sweden, England, and the East Coast in search of ancestral roots.

Janice is lovingly remembered by her children, Karla (Richard) Sitzman, Randy (Cindy) Bollish, Kurt (Katie) Bollish, Karen (Kevin) Mueller, and Kristi (Reid) Hagstrom; and her grandchildren, Rachel (Matt) Boshart, Holly (T’Andre) Stuckey, Megan Bollish, Tyler Bollish, Lance (Megan) Wilson, Sara (Kyle) Jensen, Alexis Hagstrom, Jenna (Sheven) Rodocker, John Bollish, Ryan Bollish, and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Deloris Craig.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Hilma Baker; her husband, Alvin Bollish; her in-laws, Wilson and Pearl Bollish; her grandson, Jacob Wilson; her three sisters; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2026 at First United Methodist Church, with Pastor Michael Evans officiating. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., Fort McPherson National Cemetery, south of Maxwell, Nebraska. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m, prior to the service at the church.

Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family.