Marilyn A. Janka

Marilyn Ann Janka, age 84, died Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in Winona, MN. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. She was a loving and compassionate woman who lived a life of service.

She was born to Arthur and Rose (Frein) Wolf and spent her childhood in Stacyville, Iowa. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, MN. She married Robert Janka on August 5, 1961. Upon completing a Master of Science in Nursing in 1973, Marilyn instructed student nurses at the University of Iowa and University Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Marilyn was passionate about pediatric and school nursing and became a nurse practitioner in 1983. During her school nursing career in Craig Colorado and later Elko, Nevada, she developed programs to meet the physical and mental health needs of students and their families. After Marilyn retired, she and her husband Bob traveled extensively. When at home they enjoyed dining on their patio drinking glasses of red wine and looking at the Ruby Mountains. When Bob became ill they moved from Elko to Arcadia, WI to be able to enjoy the company of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marilyn was compelled to offer her time and talents. She taught childbirth and Lamaze classes. She was a baptism instructor at Saint Michael’s Church in Craig, CO and Saint Joseph’s in Elko, NV. She became certified by the Love and Logic Institute and facilitated parenting classes. She provided nursing services during mission trips to the Dominican Republic. She volunteered for the Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital Auxiliary. She helped with the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, NV. She and her husband Bob were generous to peace and justice causes throughout their lives.

Marilyn maintained long friendships in her lifetime, many forged through the shared experiences of being College of Saint Teresa student nurses at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, welcoming newcomers to the church and community, and exploring the Mountain West. She enjoyed re-reading the many letters and cardsthat she received over the years. These, and visits with and phone calls from friends and family sustained her during the difficult times after Bob’s death in January, 2023. In November, Marilyn moved to an apartment in Winona, MN with a view of the bluffs and college campuses where she and Bob began their courtship.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Robert Janka, her parents, her brothers, and her sister. She is survived by her children Carol Janka (Tim Putz), Bob Janka, Trish Sandoz (Justin), and Lynn Janka. Grandchildren and great grandchildren include: Jared Putz, Christine Tran and their children Mason and Olive; Jordan and Sheila Putz and their children Rayna, Hadley, and Laikyn; Joe Putz, Jenna Putz, Abby Sandoz, Andrew Sandoz, Bre Janka, and Amelia Janka. 

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on March 23, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Arcadia, WI. On June 8th, there will be a Celebration of Life at 11 am followed by an inurnment at Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, Iowa.