Janet Ann Krohn

Janet Ann Krohn, a lifelong resident of Black River Falls, died January 20, 2024. She was 88.
Janet passed away peacefully at home with the support of her family from late-stage
Alzheimer’s.
Kindness was Janet’s defining quality, her husband Eugene Krohn pointed out. “She was
genuinely, through and through kind and she thought about what to do for people, even after
developing Alzheimer’s.” Janet’s way was to quietly help people behind the scenes. “Let us not
forget to be kind,’ was something she often said, a guiding principle. She believed everyone
deserved equal treatment and maintained the thrift and work ethic of her Depression-era
parents.
Janet was born June 7, 1935, to Duane and Lavina Hoffman. They modeled for Janet a
dedication to family, education, and community. She often spoke fondly of her upbringing with
her older brother Peter and younger brother David.
“My youth had the freedom of playing with my neighborhood friends, swimming in the city pool,
riding and taking care of my pony and horse,” Janet once wrote. She recalled the thrill, at age 7,
of being allowed to walk by herself the four blocks to the Carnegie library on Main Street, in the
building that now houses the Jackson County History Society.
Janet graduated from Black River Falls High in 1953 and from the University of Wisconsin-
Madison in 1957 with a degree in early childhood education.
She and Gene had known each other since they were children. They began dating in 1955 and
married at the Methodist Church the following year. They settled in Black River in 1962 and
began raising their family, eventually having four children. Janet supported Gene throughout his
medical training and career as a family physician.
Janet was an active parent volunteer and a member of numerous community groups, including
Tuesday Club and the book club she helped found 31 years ago. She was especially involved
in the Methodist Church as a member of the choir, the Wednesday prayer group and baked
countless casseroles and cakes to support the church community functions.
In keeping with the value she placed on education, Janet long had wanted to pursue a master’s
degree. And so, at age 46, she began driving to UW-Madison one day a week, taking one class
a semester. “My family encouraged me,” Janet wrote. “It took seven years, but it did get
completed.” With her master’s in family studies, she then found fulfillment as a social worker for
ten years at Pine View Care Center.
Janet cherished her community of Black River Falls. She was often seen walking on the
Foundation Trail, or swimming endless laps at the Lunda Center pool. She enjoyed reading on
her front porch and saying a warm hello to the friends and neighbors who walked by.
She embodied tremendous devotion, commitment, and love for family.
Janet is survived by her husband Gene, son Joel Krohn (Janelle), daughters Amy Krohn, Mary
Krohn and Katherine Laabs (Jay), grandchildren Carl and Emma Cortright and Elizabeth,
Andrew and William Laabs. Survivors also include her brothers Peter (Jone) and David (Marilyn)
Hoffman, her sister-in-law Ann (Waldo) Peterson, brother-in-law Gilbert Homstad, and
numerous nieces and nephews, with whom she had a special bond.

The family is grateful to the caregivers and family members who made possible Janet’s wish to
remain at home: Marja and Carla Mills, Michele Koch, Kay Turner, Jenny Buren, Anne Purev
and Bethany Young, as well as St. Croix Hospice. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to
the numerous friends and relatives who supported them through this time.
Memorials may be made to the Black River Falls Area Foundation in memory of Janet Krohn,
PO Box 99, or to the Black River Falls Public Library.
The memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church in Black River Falls on Friday
January 26, 2024, at 11am. Friends may visit an hour before the service and a luncheon will be
served immediately following. There will be a visitation on Thursday January 25, 2024, from 4-6
pm at the United Methodist Church.