Obituary of Jo Ann Janzen

Jo Ann Janzen age 71 of Butterfield died on March 14, 2022 at Good Samaritan Society – Pleasant View in St. James, MN. 

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday March 22, 2022 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Darfur, MN with Rev. Bruss officiating.  Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Darfur, MN.

Jo Ann (Yackel) Janzen was born on June 2, 1950 in St. James, MN the daughter of Merlyn & Wyona (Aden) Yackel.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  She attended St. Paul’s School (K – 8^th grade) and graduated from St. James High School in 1968.  After graduation, she worked at First National Bank in St. James until her retirement in 2011.

On June 20, 1970 she married Eldon Janzen at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. James, MN.  The couple had three children.  Jeanna, Chad, & Sara.  They made their home in Darfur for 13 years and moved to the farm north of Butterfield in 1983.

Jo Ann was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran church and enjoyed supporting her community.  Jo Ann served as a Sunday school teacher as well as ladies aide secretary, treasurer, and president.  In addition, Jo Ann served as the treasurer of senior citizens and was a lifelong member at the Butterfield VFW Auxiliary.

She enjoyed going to San Juan, Texas for the last six years.  In addition, she enjoyed playing cards, listening to music, dancing, and spending time with her family and friends.  Jo Ann also loved to travel and had the opportunity to go to places such as Hawaii, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Alaska, Florida, and many other states.  Most of all, Jo Ann enjoyed watching her grandchildren whenever she could by attending basketball games, track meets, plays, and band/choir concerts.  Her family made her very proud.

Jo Ann is survived by her husband Eldon of Butterfield, 3 children, and 5 grandchildren.  Jeanna (Keith) Welgraven and their daughter Katelyn of Ruthton, MN.  Chad (Lou Ann) Janzen and sons Evan, and Dylan of Rock Valley IA.  Sara (Eric) Dvorak and their sons Noah and Lucas of Warren, MN; one sibling Carol (Scott) Melick of New Ulm, MN; one Uncle Eugene Yackel of Naples, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

She is proceeded in death by her parents Merlyn and Wyona (Sis) Yackel, brother Terry Yackel, a nephew Matthew Melick, and a grandson Jonathan Welgraven.