Jan Riopelle

Jan Riopelle, 67, of Warren, MN, passed away on Thursday morning, December 18, 2025, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, with her family by her side.

Jan was born on February 22, 1958, to John and Aldys (Bjornson) Carik. She was raised in Cavalier, ND, proud of her Icelandic heritage. She graduated from the local high school in 1976 and attended UND in Grand Forks before moving to Fargo. It was here that she met her husband, where all good things start of course, while working in a bar. He strolled in wearing a three-piece suit, offering her diamonds as big as horse turds. She couldn't shake him; it was love!

After a year of dating, Mick was offered a job in Williston, ND, and Jan made it clear she wouldn’t go unless they were married. So, only six weeks later, they were married on April 24, 1982, in her home church. And to all the gossip back then, she was NOT pregnant. That followed in due time, with the two living in Williston, ND, then three moving to Devil's Lake in 1986, and finally the family of five to Warren in 1996, where they bought the local bar. Mick's Bar & Grill featured a sign behind the back bar that about summed it up: “Do you want to talk to the man in charge, or the woman who knows what's going on?”

In the early years, Mick worked days and Jan worked nights 'til close. Once the bar was established, she mainly handled the books and catering, but her favorite job was being a Mom. She attended every single school event for her three kids, crisscrossing the region whether they were playing, performing, or coaching. Her kids say that she could always predict what they needed - and would often TELL them what they needed, too.

She had more “kids” than just the three. She had a soft spot for all of her children’s friends, whom she'd nurture through food (enormous hot dishes with no recipe) and words (by way of the two “talking chairs,” set apart for late night heart-to-hearts).

The family's world changed dramatically when Chris passed away on June 10, 2008. Jan soldiered on, continuing to fill her days with school events, weekends at the lake and trips to see her kids. Years later, she found immense joy in becoming “Amma” (Icelandic for “Grandma”), a role she cherished deeply. She thought about her grandbabies constantly. One was born just two days before she passed, in the same hospital. Though dying of cancer, Jan held on until she could meet her newest grandchild. Between that moment and knowing Chris was waiting for her, cigar in his mouth and Bible in his hand, it was enough.

Christmas was Jan’s favorite season, and now she gets to spend it with Chris once again. 

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, the regulars at Mick's, and all those whose lives she touched with her magnetism and kindness, even if only for a while.

Jan is survived by her husband of 43 years, Mick; daughter Lacey (Steve) Nosbisch and their children, Cameron and Lydia; son Zach (Cassie) Riopelle and their daughter, Scarlett; brother Rick (Cathy) Carik; in-laws Jerry Riopelle, Suzi (Richard) Larson, Buck (Gloria) Riopelle, Cindy Filipi, and Todd (Trisha) Riopelle who welcomed her and treated her as one of their own; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to being reunited with Chris, Jan will be greeted by her parents, John and Aldys; beloved cousin, Joe; her aunts and uncles; brother-in-law Keith; and Mick’s parents, Leonard “Kinsey” and DeLone Riopelle. 

MEMORIALS ARE PREFERRED to the Chris Riopelle Memorial Scholarship at the WAO Education Foundation.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Warren, MN.

VISITATION: 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Warren and one hour before services on Tuesday at the church.
INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Warren, MN

To watch a video of Jan Riopelle's funeral service, please click the link: Jan Riopelle Funeral Service