Service Information
Theresa “TJ” Janke, age 81, of Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, November 15th, 2020, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, Minnesota.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date.
Obituary
Theresa Mary Janke was born on Friday, October 13, 1939, in Hollywood Township, Carver County, Minnesota. She was the middle child of seven children born to Walter Valentine Thurn and Theresa Wilhelmina (Minnie) (Bayerl) Thurn. Theresa was a graduate of the Glencoe High School Class of 1957. Later that year, she was married on October 5th to James Edwin Janke at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. The couple made their home and raised their children in Glencoe.
Theresa’s first job after marriage was as a secretary for the superintendent of schools, Violet M. Anderson. She then worked as a nurse’s aide at Glenhaven Nursing Home and later at the Glencoe Municipal Hospital. While working at the hospital, Minnesota experienced an extreme shortage of nurses, RN’s and LPN’s. The state offered a short but difficult way to obtain a license for nursing. It was through this program that she became an LPN. Nursing was truly her calling and Theresa worked at the Glencoe Hospital until she retired more than 35 years later. After 45 years of marriage, Theresa became a widow. The love of her life her husband, Jim passed away at the age of 66 on January 27, 2002. Theresa ended her working career at the Glencoe-Silver Lake School district as a lunch lady and then worked at the Panther Field House.
Theresa was active in her faith. At Church of St. Pius X, she helped in every way she could such as being an usher, eucharistic minister and mentor to many confirmation candidates. Theresa loved life, her family and her Scotties Sadie, Kismet and Gizmo. She also loved garage sales and a good chit chat over coffee.
Theresa passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2020, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, at the age of 81 years, 1 month, and 2 days. Blessed be her memory.
Theresa is survived by her:
Children, David Janke of San Diego, CA,
Debra M. Bemis and her partner, Richard Cunningham, of Glencoe, MN;
Grandchildren, Christopher G. Bemis of New Auburn, MN,
Angela T.V. Bemis and her partner, Joseph, of Glencoe, MN,
Joshua J.D. Bemis of Glencoe, MN;
Siblings, Andrew Thurn of Glencoe, MN,
Mary Wirtz of Tucson, AZ,
Francis Thurn of Glencoe, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Theresa is preceded in death by her Parents, Walter and Minnie Thurn; Baby Daughter, Angela; Brother, Louis Thurn; Sisters, Lucy Jacobson, Martha Ewer.
Janet Deno says
Deb, David and family,
Terry and I are very saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. You have our deepest sympathies
Love,
Terry and Janet
Deb Bemis says
Thank you
Mary B Kallhoff says
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Prayers for comfort for your family.
Mary and Bruce Kallhoff
Deb Bemis says
Thank you
Mary Lou Teubert says
Deb, David and family.
You have my deepest sympathy.. Remember working with your Mom at the Hospital
Love.
Mary Lou Teubert
MaryLou Teubert says
Deb,David and Family
Sorry to hear about you Mom. Remember working with her at the Glencoe Hospital.
You have my deepest sympathy.
Mary Lou Teubert
Debra Bemis says
Thank you
Lloyd thurn says
David and Debbie I’m so sorry about the loss of your mom and you have my deepest sympathy. Sincerely Lloyd turn
Deb Bemis says
Thank you.
RITA SCHLOSSER (MOEHRING) says
DAVID, I AM SO SORRY TO HERE ABOUT YOUR MOM. I ENJOYED WORKING WITH HER AT THE HOSPITAL. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.
Joanne Kaczmarek says
Hello Deb, David and Family
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. Here are some memories I have about her. When we were young, she was the one to pierce our ears. We had to hold a potato behind our ears. My middle name (Theresa) is because of the what she meant to my parents. She was my Confirmation sponsor. She would visit dad when he was battling cancer. She called about 20 minutes after he passed to inform us of his last wish. That wish was for all his children to be by his side when he left earth to meet Jesus. We were all there without knowing this was his last wish. She was a special lady. She is at peace and no longer suffering.
My deepest sympathy.
Joanne (Molva) Kaczmarek
Christopher Janke says
Thank you so much for the wonderful memories… It is nice to know that my mom touched so many people thank you for your contribution… Much love David
Luanne kroeger says
So very sad to hear about Theresa’s passing. I worked with her at hospital for many years and she was a very good nurse and friend! God bless all of her family!!
Linda Joyce Dettman says
So sorry to hear about Theresa. I worked with her for many years at the the hospital. Many memories from those working days. Cherish your memories. God Bless.
Susan A Engelmann says
Thinking of your family with sympathy at this hard time. TJ taught me so much in our time working together at Glencoe Hospital, then GRHS. It was such a joy working with her and knowing her. May she rest in peace.
Tina Schauer says
Deb, David, and Family
Deepest sympathy. Your mom was a great person with a wonderful heart. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Virginia C. Jerabek says
Sending my condolences to Theresa’s family. I was a neighbor many years ago and then met up again when she worked for the Panther Field House. Theresa always had a smile, was warm hearted and helpful. Rest in Peace. God’s Blessings to her family.
Tammy Hasslinger says
Deb and family, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing! You are all in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time and even harder with all going on. May you all find peace!
Denise Wark says
Sorry for your loss. She was my nurse when I had surgery many years ago. She helped me to the rest room and that is the last I remember.. I passed out! I guess she caught me before I hit the floor.. Blessed be her memory