Claire Wynn (Jansonius) Exner – Jun 2, 2021

Claire Wynn (Jansonius) Exner, loving wife, mother and grandmother, died June 2, 2021, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD, with her family by her side. She was 71.

Claire was born in Jamestown, ND on February 6, 1950 to Dr. John and Fern (Rippee) Jansonius. She attended Jamestown Public Schools and graduated from Jamestown High School in 1968. Following high school, she attended the University of North Dakota and received her Bachelor of Science degree in social work in 1972.

On October 13, 1973, she was united in marriage with Joseph Exner in Jamestown, ND. Together they were blessed with three children and made their home in Morris, MN. Claire devoted her career to helping others and worked for the North Dakota State Hospital, the Stevens County Developmental Achievement Center, and Morris Area Public Schools retiring in 2017. In retirement, Claire enjoyed serving as a jury attendant for Stevens County District Court, substitute teaching and taking tickets at many high school sporting events. Claire spent countless hours donating time to her favorite causes including the Humane Society and the Salvation Army.

Claire had a wide range of interests. She loved to read and take her beloved dachshunds for walks. She loved visiting and laughing with her friends. She attended movies, musicals, concerts and sporting events. Claire found joy in everything she did and in everyone she met. Claire’s greatest passion in life was her family. Claire and Joe cherished their many trips to South Dakota to visit their grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Joseph; daughters, Janson Exner-Borgen (Cory), Hartford, SD, Abby Exner, Aberdeen, SD; son, John Exner, Apple Valley, MN; three grandchildren, Taylor Borgen, Hadley Borgen and Joey Exner; sister, Fern Barnett, Pierre, SD; brother, John Jansonius (Imelda Fresquez), Dallas, TX; her beloved dachshund, Phoebe, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Dr. John and Fern Jansonius; and brother, Fred Jansonius.

Private Funeral Services will be held for family on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery, in Sioux Falls, SD. A celebration of Claire’s life will be held in Morris, MN this fall.