Janelle "Nellie" JoAnn Wollenburg

Janelle “Nellie” Wollenburg, age 37, of Austin, Minnesota, died Friday, December 29, 2023, at her home. Janelle JoAnn Holtorf was born on November 30, 1986, in Waterloo, Iowa to her parents Michael “Mike” and Cynthia “Cindy” (Wiechmann) Holtorf; she was strong willed and a fighter from the beginning. She grew up in Austin, Minnesota, alongside her two brothers, Jon and Joe. In 2005, Nellie graduated from Austin High School and went on to receive her associate degree from Riverland Community College in Austin. Recently she had began her journey to obtain her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Winona State University. She worked at Mayo Clinic Health Systems for over 12 years, recently moving into the role of Executive Health Assistant Supervisor.

She was a hardworking and dedicated mother to her two children, Hunter and Layla.  You could always find her watching them in their various activities or coaching their sports teams. Nellie coached volleyball, softball and basketball in the Lyle area and was instrumental in starting the girls’ volleyball and softball programs when they didn’t have them for her daughters age group.

Health and wellness were important to Nellie, and she was a member of HUSH Performance and Nutrition. She enjoyed hiking, biking, and everything outdoors. Nellie, in her free time, could be found spending time with her family and was known for coordinating many family gatherings. In her giving way, she gave the gift of life to twin babies through surrogacy. Nellie’s smile could light up a room and her laughter was infectious! 

Nellie was a natural light in the world, and the world is a little dimmer without her. Though her loss brings darkness, Nellie’s memory, like her life, brings light.  She gave the most amazing hugs, when she hugged you, it was legit, and you could feel the love. She always wanted to make sure everybody was taken care of and happy – all others before herself.  She loved to bake and was always looking for the next family craft idea.  She also attended Cornerstone Church.

Nellie is survived by her parents, Mike and Cindy Holtorf of Austin; son, Hunter Wollenburg; daughter, Layla Wollenburg both of Lyle; brothers, Jonathan Holtorf of Austin, and Joseph (Erin) Holtorf of Austin; best friend, Casey Uher of Austin; nieces and nephews Ryker, Carter, Oliver, Molly, Jocelyn “JB,” Kai, along with one on the way; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Don and Carolyn Holtorf; and maternal grandparents, Dennis and Kathleen Wiechmann.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. A short service and rosary will begin the celebration of life at 12:00 noon. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.

Live free, keep dancing in the rain, catching snowflakes on your tongue and continue to stop and smell the flowers.  Thanks for the memories!  Until we meet again, goodbye beautiful.