Janet Muriel Meyer

Janet Muriel (Wendelschafer) Meyer, 89, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Jan was born on May 14, 1933 at Mankato, the daughter of Arthur and Ethel (Ellingworth) Wendelschafer of Cleveland, MN. She grew up on a farm on the shores of Lake Jefferson in Le Sueur County, where she loved to spend time with her grandparents, play cards with her friends, and go to dances at Hardeggers. Jan graduated from Cleveland High School in 1951. On October 20, 1951 Jan married Kenneth E. Meyer, also of Le Sueur County, in St Peter, MN. They raised a family and farmed just outside of Elysian, MN. Jan was an extremely hardworking wife and mother. She worked a garden more than an acre in size, she worked in the fields alongside her husband and children, she provided food for her family through all her hard work, canning fruits, and vegetables every summer, making apple sauce and everyone's favorite, chocolate chip cookies. Jan spent years doing daycare for a number of children. Jan was very devoted to her family, her faith, and her church. She volunteered any spare time she had to their church, Bethlehem Lutheran, in Elysian, serving in a variety of positions. In 1997, Jan and Ken retired to Rochester, and lived with their daughter and family. They both continued to work very hard, helping their kids out anytime they could. Later in life they belonged to Mount Moriah Lutheran in Byron. Jan was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ken, son, Craig Meyer, sister and brother-in-law, Margaret Anne (Bruce) Jensen. Jan is survived by her daughters Becky (Dale) Grotsun, of rural Freeborn, and Barbara (Steve) Jerabek of Rochester, son, Reverend John (Laurie) Meyer of rural Janesville, MN, daughter-in-law, Deborah Meyer of Madison, Wisconsin, sister, Marion (Andy) Derner of Farmington, brother, Richard Wendelschafer of Cleveland, grandchildren Jennifer (Marc) Mills, Jes Grotsun, Kari (Ed) Mason, Connie Janine Meyer, KC Meyer, Alex (Katie) Jerabek, Rachael Jerabek, Samuel Jerabek, Jerry Jerabek, Sarah Meyer, Mark Meyer, Will Meyer, Anna Meyer, and sister -in law, Darlene Schwartz of Waterville. Jan also had eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Jan's family would like to thank Mount Moriah Lutheran Church for their continual cards of love and support. A memorial service service will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 7 pm at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901). Memorials may be given to the LCMS Ministry for the Armed Forces. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Meyer family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.