Glenda LaVonne Janning

Glenda LaVonne (Nelson) Janning, passed away on April 13, 2024, in Owatonna, MN, at the age of 79, surrounded by her family. Glenda was born on October 26, 1944, in Waseca, MN. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Glenda LOVED reading! She was SO well-read, she could engage in a conversation with most anyone, about most anything, at most any time! Her loving personality is endeared by family and friends alike. A model of generosity, she always made sure you knew you were valued and celebrated. Glenda's nurturing spirit inspired you to keep growing into your BEST self. 

Among a variety of jobs, Glenda worked at Jostens, Owatonna Nursery, and managed the Steele County Landfill gate, while also overseeing the Household Hazardous Waste facility. 

Glenda's faith was important to her. As a child she attended Vista Lutheran Church in New Richland. She married Ron Janning on October 26, 1963 at St. Columbanus Church in Blooming Prairie; later, serving as president of the ladies auxiliary and a lectern. She loved being a mother, but the passing of son John in 1982 was devastating. After regaining her faith, she found solace in her relationship with Jesus, especially during her battles with cancer.

Family was paramount to Glenda, and, whether it be cheering at sporting events of ALL her kids, attending birthday parties, playing an (always) entertaining game of Progressive Rummy or Dice, or planning events like Harvest parties at the farm, she cherished time spent with her loved ones. She found joy in her family and was dedicated to enriching their lives in any way she could. 

Through the years she greatly enjoyed the companionship of numerous pets. Current cats, Monte and Ani will greatly miss her.

Gardening, baking and cooking were passions of hers. She could often be found planning her garden in the winter months, baking her famous pumpkin bars, or balling one of her thousands of Swedish meatballs!

In recent years, the purchase of their Florida home quickly became a relaxing 'snowbird' experience she greatly anticipated.

Glenda is survived by her husband Ronald Janning; siblings Gary Nelson, Gordon (Anita) Nelson, Genelle (Mitch) Pafko; children Naomi (Robert) Jirele, Patrick (Elicia) Janning, Anissa (Tim) Disher; grandchildren Nicole (Dylan) Vangen, Caitlin (Jeremy) Bartsch, Christopher Jirele and Mesa Krause, Jared (Dory) Jirele, Jacob (Caitlin) Jirele, Emily Janning (Alek Prafke), Brianna (TJ) Merritt, Taylor Disher and Mitch Novak, Ryder Disher and Alea Wall, McKenzie Disher, River Disher; and great-grandchildren Karis, Atley, Graham, Selah, Norah, Cadence, Carter, Walter, Adrienne, Conrad, Baby Jirele due in September, Kason, Asher, Cameron, Eva, Matilyn, Sophia, and Keightyn. She was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Glen, her son John, and grandson, Ryan Jirele.

Glenda told her family before passing that she was ready to be 'transformed'. This spoke volumes to them about her 'legacy of learning', even during her OWN transformation into eternity.