Janet Marie Hayes, age 81 of Delano, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 8, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was born on August 19, 1939 in Wayzata, Minnesota to Vernon and Marie (Schuler) Peterson.

Janet graduated from Orono High School. She was voted the Homecoming Queen in 1957 as well as “Best All-Around”, “Best Dancer” and “Best Figure” by her classmates. Janet was united in marriage to Eugene “Gene” Hayes on May 24, 1958.

Besides being a homemaker, Janet worked in the Orono School District for 27 years before quitting her Head Cook position at the High School to pursue other passions and to become her grandchildren’s biggest fan. She managed “the books” for Hayes & Sons Excavating for over 45 years until just after her cancer diagnosis on October 7. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. She enjoyed gardening, having lunch with her dear friends, getting her hair done every Friday and celebrating the 4th of July every year with her best friend, Millie Peppin and their families. She attended ALL of her grandchildren’s sporting events, plays and concerts and celebrated their many achievements throughout the years. Janet was a member of the Delano American Legion Auxillary. She and Gene were avid baseball fans and attended 61 straight years of MN State Amateur baseball tournaments. She lived and breathed family and was a devout servant to the Lord. Her talents and kindness touched so many people.

Janet was preceded in death by her two infant children, Paul and Ann; parents Vernon and Marie Peterson; parents-in-law Andrew and Josephine Hayes; sisters-in-law Virginia Hayes, Betty Hayes, Jean Hayes, Shirley Hayes; brothers-in-law Richard Hayes, Clifford Hayes, Joseph Hayes, Maurice Hayes, Kevin Hayes, Edward Lynch and Bob Seward. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Gene; children Brad (Joan) Hayes, Jeff (Ann) Hayes, Shelly Hayes; grandchildren Ryan Hayes, Landon Hayes, Anna Lundquist, Amy Lundquist; great granddaughters Paisley Hayes and Halsey Hayes; siblings Donald (Pam) Peterson, Virginia (Gene) Platzer, and Carol Seward; sisters-in-law Marion Hayes, Marian Hayes, Pat Schaar and brother-in-law George Schaar; many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Private Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano, Minnesota. Interment was in the Calvary Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the Delano Athletic Club in Janet’s name.

A video of Janet’s service can be found on the Iten Funeral Home YouTube page, or through the link provided below: