Dr. Janet Marilyn Moen (Worth) passed away peacefully in her home on March 31 at the age of 82. She is survived by her husband Mylan and son Christopher Kelly. Jan made a profound impact locally and globally through an amazing life of learning, adventure, contribution and love.
Jan was born February 2, 1943 in Albany, NY, to Harold and Lillian (Volmer) Worth. Inspired as a high school senior by President Kennedy’s inaugural address, Jan looked for ways to serve her country and the world. Upon graduating from the University at Albany in 1965, she enrolled in the Peace Corps and taught in Ethiopia for two years, where she met her first husband, Bill Kelly. Joining him in his hometown of East Grand Forks, she completed a master’s degree. Their son was born in 1976 while she continued teaching and Bill served in the state legislature. After earning her Ph.D. at Cornell University in 1983, she accepted a professorship in sociology at the University of North Dakota.
At UND, Jan began building institutions that would have lasting impacts on students and the region. With like-minded faculty members, she co-founded Integrated Studies, the Center for Peace Studies and the Conflict Resolution Center. While guiding the growth of these programs and fighting for funding, her top priority was her students – many of whom became lifelong friends. She was active in the International Center, befriending scholars from around the world.
Her colleagues recall her kindness, humility and unshakable optimism. As a mediator, she believed that transformative mediation could resolve conflicts among people who acted in good faith, and she held this as a model for international peace and reconciliation efforts. For many years, she taught summer courses at the American College of Norway, leading students to explore institutions such as the Norwegian Parliament and the Nobel Institute. Her research covered diverse areas such as rural health and women in leadership, always guided by a vision of a better world.
In 1988 she married Mylan, living outside of Crookston where they enjoyed travel, horses, cats, camping and a shared love of nature. After retirement, they moved to Bemidji and Jan was hired by Bemidji State University, where she taught for another 7 years. Together, Jan and Mylan embarked on new adventures, volunteering in the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program, the local historical society and the First Lutheran Church of Bemidji. For her entire life, her kindness, curiosity and commitment to social justice extended to people of all backgrounds, animals and the natural world. She will be profoundly missed. Her dedication to peace and justice, enthusiasm for teaching and learning, and joy in even life’s smallest moments continue to inspire all who knew her.
A funeral will be held at First Lutheran Church in Bemidji at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the American College of Norway Foundation at https://acnfoundation.com/.
Condolences may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.