JANET ANN KROHN
JANET ANN KROHN
Janet Ann Krohn, a lifelong resident of Black River Falls, died Jan. 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 seven, 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 Falls 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 10 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); and 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 Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. Friends may visit an hour before the service and a luncheon will be served immediately following. There will be a visitation Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. at the United Methodist Church.