On Sunday, October 24th, 2021, with the sun shining through the fall colors, Janell Sandstedt-Peterson passed peacefully from her daughter's loving arms into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ. Janell had recently returned home to her beloved Sand Lake where her heart was truly content.

Mary Janell Sandstedt-Peterson (nee: Lewis) was born on April 20, 1928, in Wewoka, OK, the daughter of J.L. and Esther (Whiteley) Lewis. She graduated from Quapaw High School in Quapaw, OK, in 1945 and attended Blackwood-Davis Business College in Oklahoma City, OK. On February 26, 1946, Janell married Clarence "Sandy" Sandstedt in Miami, OK. He preceded her in death on February 28, 1999, two days after celebrating 53 years of marriage. She married John H. Peterson on August 17, 2002, and he preceded her in death on January 26, 2014.

Janell was a 46-year resident of Manistee before moving to Sand Lake in 1991. She also spent 27 winters in Orange Beach, AL. She was employed at Glen of Michigan for 30 years as Director of National Sales and Customer Service, traveling extensively doing fashion presentations all over the United States. She also served as Corporate Secretary.

Janell was a gourmet cook who loved to entertain friends and share recipes. In fact, in 2004 she published her own cookbook ("Grandma Janell's Recipes") which went on to sell over 2,500 copies and is a cherished momento for anyone who has one. She was well known for her bluegill fish fries, chicken parmesan, lasagna, Yorkshire pudding, New York cheesecake and peanut butter pie. She also knitted hundreds of personalized Christmas stockings for children of friends, family, and business associates far and wide. She cherished time spent with family, playing cards, and attending her grandkids' sporting events. Grandma Janell adored her children and grandchildren and they adored her. She always took time to listen and encourage everyone to pursue their passions.

Janell was a long-time member of the Manistee United Methodist Church serving on various committees throughout the years. She sang in the Manistee Sweet Adelines, was involved with the Manistee Business and Professional Women, Manistee Elks, Telephone Pioneers and was a member of the Manistee Golf and Country Club.

Janell is survived by the joys of her life, daughter Lyn (Gary) Sievert, Irons, MI; Steve (Nancy) Sandstedt, Lansing, MI; Mark (Karen) Sandstedt, Manistee, MI; and stepson Tom (Sherrie) Peterson, Grand Rapids, MI. Grandchildren Liisa (Brian) Blick; Kelly (Tim) Maguire; Kati (Coley) Conklin, Mollie (Todd Patrick) Lauffer; Andrew Sandstedt; Nathan (Jenni) Sandstedt; Jack Sandstedt and Lily Sandstedt. Step grandchildren Mindy Peterson, Heather Peterson, and Tommy (Beth) Peterson; 19 great grandchildren; 3 great, great grandchildren; two nieces and a nephew. In addition to her parents and spouses, Janell was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law Jerre and Roger Hutchison.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at the Manistee United Methodist Church with visitation from 10:00 a.m until time of service. A luncheon and time of fellowship will be held immediately following the service.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Michigan for the loving care given to their mother. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Manistee United Methodist Church, Little Mary's Hospitality House, the Manistee County Historical Museum, or the charity of the donor's choice. Oak Grove Funeral and Cremation Center of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements. Please share a memory with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com.