Janet L. Gonnella
Wednesday, July 8, 1936
Date of Death:
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Age:
81 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday September 07, 2017
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Prayer Service: 6:30 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Friday September 08, 2017
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Pax Christi Catholic Church [ view map ]
Funeral Mass
Date: Friday September 08, 2017
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Pax Christi Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Wednesday, July 8, 1936
Date of Death:
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Age:
81 years old
Wednesday, July 8, 1936
Date of Death:
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Age:
81 years old
Janet L. Gonnella
Janet (Jan) Lou Gonnella, 81, of Rochester died Thursday, August 31st, 2017 of natural causes. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Norman Thomas Gonnella.
Visitations will be from 5 pm to 8 pm with a vigil at 6:30 pm at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home on Thursday, September7th and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Funeral Mass will be held at Pax Christi Catholic Church in Rochester at 11:00 am on Friday, September 8th with Rev. Will Thompson officiating. A reception meal will be at Pax after the service. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester following the reception.
Jan (Kelly) was born July 8, 1936, the second daughter of Gorden and Dellia Kelly in Renville County, Minnesota. She learned the value of hard work while growing up on the family farm with her four sisters and a brother. She graduated from Olivia High School.
After high school, Jan moved to Minneapolis, where she worked as a secretary. While in Minneapolis, she attended single activities at the Catholic Youth Center where she met her future husband. The two wed on December 31st, 1960.
Following their marriage, the couple lived in Minneapolis for a few years, then moved to Dodge Center, and finally settled in Rochester, Minnesota.
During their marriage, Jan dedicated her energy and joy into raising her children. She was a motivator for her children in scouting and 4H. Through her example, she taught them to love God, work hard and help others. Over the years, she contributed her time and talents in the service of her church family, friends, and in the whole community. Jan enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, gardening, reading, and corresponding with loved ones far and wide. Jan had a gift for listening and asking just the right questions to get to the heart of the matter. She made people feel heard and loved. Anyone who knew Jan knew that she had a big heart full of charity and grace. She was a true follower of Christ with a servant heart.
Jan is survived by husband Norman, children- Mary (Brad) King, Mark (Laura) Gonnella, Paul (Nancy) Gonnella, Tom (Chris) Gonnella, Deb Gonnella, and Jim (Sarah) Gonnella. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Patrick.
Memorial in Jan’s name can be sent to Dr. Bill Fryda at:
American Foundation for Children with AIDS
Attn: MMCT Donation Desk
6221 Blue Grass Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Memo line of check: for Medical Charitable Trust
Condolences
The family of Janet L. Gonnella has received the following condolences.
We are so sorry to hear of Jan's passing. Jan was a long time member of our women's golf league and we just want you all to know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The loss of a loved one is a very sad and heavy load to bare.May you find comfort at John 5:28,29 "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear (Jesus') voice and come out." Please accept my deepest sympathy, and for more comforting information you may refer to jw.org.
Many blessing to all those who knew and loved Jan.
The residents and staff are so appreciative of her communion visits to High Pointe.
She will be remembered as one who "walked the walk and talked the talk."
I just spoke with Aunt Jan last week. She was positive, quick-witted, inquisitive, encouraging and peaceful. I have not known her any other way. I can not imagine the craters left in the hearts of Uncle Norm and her family. But, I can only imagine they are big and that she will be very missed. I will pray for all, including Aunt Jan...we could all use prayers and a mass or two :). The thought that she encountered Grandma and Grandpa Kelly, Patrick and our parents (Al and Karen Dunn) after she passed gives me comfort: a smile with tears kind of comfort. I also know that she was a good friend to Linda Hansen, too, which has meant a lot to me, too. God bless you, Uncle Norm and all your children, grandchildren and great-grand children.
Jim and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a wonderful, welcoming woman. She will be missed dearly. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace and love,
Shannon
Rest in Peace Beautiful Janet Gonnella. My Deepest Prayers and Condolences to the Family!