Janell Lynn Wilson (Olsen) December 8, 1965-January 29, 2026
In the early morning hours on January 29, 2026 Janell passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband, children, sister and a good family friend after a long seven-year battle with cancer.
Janell was born in Barton, North Dakota on December 8, 1965, of Anton and Lily Olsen.
At an early age, Janell moved to Butte, Montana, with her family. She attended Webster Garfield elementary where she met her first love Greg Wilson in the fourth grade. They dated on and off throughout West Junior High and into Butte High School. After high school they parted ways and that’s when Janell met and married Steve Egbert in 1985. During their 10-year marriage they welcomed their four daughters. In 1997 Janell and Greg rekindled their love. 1999 they welcome their son, then tied the knot on July 1, 2000 in which she gained her stepson, and the rest is history.
Janell worked different jobs throughout her life. She worked in customer service, property management, and her most recent job at the Butte Silverbow jail. But her favorite job was being a mom to six kids.
Janell enjoyed crafting, such as making quilts for her nieces and nephews. She loved baking as much as the neighborhood kids loved eating it. She enjoyed the outdoors, including camping and floating the rivers, especially near Glen, where Greg had proposed. She enjoyed spending the long summer nights with her siblings at her brother’s ranch. In the off-season she enjoyed bowling on a league. Every Sunday during football season you could find her dressed up head to toe in Dallas Cowboy attire, even if her team wasn’t playing. One of Janell’s biggest highlights was her kids and grandchildren. She always said, “if I would have known how much fun grandchildren were I would’ve had them first.”
Janell Wilson was preceeded in death by her father, Anton Olsen, and mother, Lily Olsen.
Janell Wilson is survived by her husband Greg; children, Deanna Hoyt, Stephanee Egbert (Jason Merzlak), Gregory (Nadia) Wilson, Kortney (Dustin) Sims, Shianne (Dan) Yother, and Riley(Nikki) Wilson; siblings, Dinah McLeod, Dennis (Donna) Olsen, and Darren Olsen; and grandchildren, Olaf, Hoyt, Jaisann and Jentyn Merzlak, Ezra and Evan Wilson, Colby and Jackson Sims, McKenna and Brantley Yother, Paxton, Elliott and Emmett Wilson. Janell is also survived by her good friend, Tana Collins, numerous nieces and nephews and countless cousins.
Celebration of life will be held on April 18, 2026, 2 PM at the McQueen athletic club 3250 Hecla St., Butte, MT.
Special thanks to Dr. Massouh, Taylor, Mary Ann, Marissa, Jenny, and all the other nurses and staff at the St. James Cancer center in Butte. Dr. Mullaney and her assistants at the U of U in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Axelson Funeral Home is privileged to care for Janell and her family.
Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Janell.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 18, 2026
McQueen Club
3250 Hecla St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 18, 2026
McQueen Club
3250 Hecla St.
Butte, MT 59701
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Tressie Malloy says
Janell and I were friends since we were in junior high school. She was such fun friend always up for adventures when we’re young. My heart breaks to hear of her passing. Many prayers to her family as you navigate such a tremendous loss. Fly high with the angels my friend until we meet again.
Lori Johnson says
Janell and I hung around when our parents, along with her aunt Elsie hung out with my parents whe we were kids. May memories of 4th of July celebrations and BBQs. Keeping her family in my prayers!
Holland says
So sorry to hear this Greg, Condolences to you and your family.
Connie Engle says
So sorry for your loss Greg may God help you and your family. My thoughts and prayers 🙏😞❤️ are with you.
Love your cousin Connie
Denise Horne says
Shianne and Family, so sorry for your loss. May her Memory be Eternal ♥️
Kathy Decker says
I am so sorry for your loss of Janell. She was a kind, beautiful soul. I hope memories of the happy times you had together can be of some comfort during this incredibly difficult time. With sincere sympathy.
William Hanley says
So sorry to hear about Janell. Thoughts and prayers to Greg and the whole family!!!