Dr. Janet Anne Ahler, PhD

Janet was born April 2^nd, 1942 in Wichita Kansas to Tom and Edus Goldenstein. She received a BA in anthropology from the University of Nebraska, a Master’s degree in secondary education and a PhD educational anthropology from the University of Columbia-Missouri.

Janet Ahler was a brilliant, accomplished and honored scholar and teacher. She was employed at the University of North Dakota, professor, Department of Education Foundations and Research, College of Education and Human Development, teaching graduate courses in multicultural education, educational anthropology, Native American education, and qualitative research methods, as well as consulting for a variety of Native American education programs.  Janet was an early faculty appointment to the internationally known Center for Teaching and Learning; she went on to become a charter member of the Department of Educational Foundations and Research in the early 1990s. She developed and taught, "Multicultural Education" that was foundational to the philosophy of the undergraduate and graduate programs in CTL. Jan was a long time member of the National Indian Educational Association, the Plains Anthropology Association, the Association of Anthropology and Education, and the American Educational Research Association. She was a recognized scholar of Native American Studies. She was commissioned by the North Dakota Centennial Commission in 1987 to write a curriculum on North Dakota Native Americans that was available for use in N.D. public schools. She was instrumental in requiring coursework in that area for all preservice student teachers.

In 1989, Janet co-authored Native American themed children’s book, “The Mouse Raid” with Joyce Burr, Marlene Ward, with illustrations by her sister, Marcia.

Janet was also an avid world traveler. Whether traveling alone, with friends or with family, it was her endless curiosity about history, culture and people that made each trip special--Brazil, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, UK, France, Guatemala, plus numerous destinations in the US. She especially cherished her last trip to New York City with her granddaughter, Aliyah, to take in Broadway shows and generally experience that wonderful city.

Janet was a feminist, a social activist, a fierce defender of Native American rights, with a vast network of family and friends across all five tribes in the state of ND. She mentored many graduate students in the art and science of qualitative research; their tributes for her role in their graduate studies are moving for her family and colleagues to read. Jan’s Anishinaabe name was Wassanamiwa.

Janet was the best kind of friend to so many students, colleagues, and acquaintances because she always kept in touch and showed a sincere interest and care in their lives. The list is long and goes back to her childhood. Keeping in touch with friends was what connected her to the world. New friends and old both held a special place in her big, generous heart.

After spending some years after retirement in Lincoln, NE, Janet’s move back to North Dakota reconnected her to her son Scott, her granddaughter Aliyah, and her friends and colleagues in the University as well as the Native American community; many of whom cared for her at the end. The Burr’s, Fisher’s, Laverdure’s, the McDougall’s and others were instrumental in comforting her during her final illness.  Janet embraced them all as part of her loving and extended family.

Janet G Ahler, 77, died 23^rd April 2019 at her home in Grand Forks, ND after being diagnosed with lung cancer the past December.

Janet leaves behind her son Scott, her granddaughter Aliyah, sister Marcia Goldenstein, brother-in-law Tom Riesing,, niece Katarina Riesing, nephew Peter Riesing, uncle Norman Boone, aunt Ramona Boone, numerous cousins, and countless friends.

As a mentor and friend to many in the tribal community, Janet also leaves behind a traditionally adopted daughter Dr. Betsy (Jim) McDougall (Betty Migizikwe Laverdure Family), a niece Kandi (Brandon) Burr-Fischer (Joyce Burr Family).

Jan was brilliant, generous, sassy, had strong opinions, had an incredible memory, was sometimes stubborn, and enjoyed long and frequent conversations. She loved her friends, her family, and her cats. She wrote poetry, and created unique personal digital cards and left of legacy of love and creative energy behind.

She will be deeply missed by so many.

A memorial service for Janet is scheduled for 1pm, June 30th, at the Gorecki Alumni Center on the UND campus in Grand Forks, ND.