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 cards that 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 23rd at Holy Family Catholic Church in
Arcadia, WI. On June 8 th there will be a Celebration of Life at 11 am followed by an inurnment at
Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, Iowa. To express condolences to her family online,
please visit http://www.wozneykillianfh.com.
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