Janet B. (Lebens) Hentges, age 77, of Shakopee, MN, entered eternal life on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home, in Belle Plaine, MN.
A visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 3-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 First Street West, Jordan, MN and on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 9:30-10:15 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial, at 10:30 am, at The Parish of St. Joachim and Anne – St. Mary’s of Marystown, 15850 Marystown Road, Shakopee. Janet’s pallbearers will be John Larson, Rob Larson, Bill Larson, Chris Lebens, Chris Briemhorst and Andy Imker. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s of Marystown Catholic Cemetery.
Born and raised in St. Paul, MN, Janet Barbara was born on June 8, 1946, to Joseph and Barbara (Hermes) Lebens. The middle of five children, she loved spending time with her girlfriends walking around and enjoying the activities of Como Lake. Janet was an excellent student, and the teachers admired her beautiful penmanship. Janet was proud to graduate from Archbishop Murray Memorial High School (an all-girls school).
After graduating, Janet accepted a position in the billing department with Montgomery Wards, until she married. One of Janet’s favorite pastimes was going to dances with her girlfriends. It was at a dance and through mutual friends, Janet met a young farmer, named John Hentges. He instantly knew she would be the one for him. They started courting and on January 3, 1970, at Maternity of Mary, in St. Paul, Janet and John were united in Holy Matrimony. Born a city gal, John took his new bride home to the Hentges family farm in rural Shakopee. Janet adapted to county life quickly and all the hard work that lay ahead. She also took on the role of being a mother to three children, Patrick, Annette, and Joel. Janet and John showed their children the values of hardworking, dedication and having a strong faith.
Farm life doesn’t allow much time for relaxation, but the Hentges family kept Sunday afternoons sacred for visiting family and friends. Occasionally, the family also made great memories at a cabin in Grand Marias, MN. Janet was instrumental in the local 4H club. Besides being a leader, she helped her children succeed in the club too. Janet’s volunteering also expanded to the church in many roles. A passion for beautiful music, she was extremely proud of being the music director for 6 years and outside the choir loved playing the accordion too. After selling the cows, Janet and John enjoyed traveling by bus with special adventures to Brandson, Smoky Mountains, and Door County.
Janet lived a very simple life. She enjoyed playing in card clubs, baking, and sewing. Through the years, she made hundreds of Afghans for gifts to family and friends, which they treasured. Life for Janet was enriched becoming a grandma to 7 grandchildren. She loved each one unconditionally and took pleasure in the times baking with them, putting puzzles together and just hanging out.
A woman of strong faith, Janet’s friendliness, kind soul and dedication to her family, church and community will live in her husband, John; children, Pat (Bonnie) Hentges, Annette (Jasen Johnson) Ries, Joel (Carrie) Hentges; grandchildren, Colton Hentges, Kaylee Hentges, David (Amanda) Ries, Abigail Ries, Rebecca (Andrew) Kohler, Jacob Hentges, Ben Hentges; siblings, Joey (Mary Pat) Lebens, Judy Larson, Michael (Patti) Lebens, Mark (Rita) Lebens; other relatives and friend.
Greeting Janet home in eternal Heaven are her parents, Joseph and Barbara and brother-in-law, Jack Larson.
