General Information
Full Name: Janis Ehlers
Date of Birth: January 6, 1936
Date of Death: August 24, 2013
Janis’ life story
Janis Margaret Ehlers
On a cold day January 6th, 1936, Janis Margaret was born to parents Edward and Margaret Minar at their home in Elmwood, Wisconsin. Janis attended and graduated from Henry Sibley High School in West St. Paul in 1954.
After high school, Janis began working in the cafeteria at Carlings. She would catch the early morning bus to St. Paul every morning for work. Janis met Paul Ehlers at a dance and their love blossomed. The two exchanged wedding vows at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in West St. Paul on May 25th, 1963. Shortly after their wedding, Janis and Paul moved to Prior Lake where they lived in an apartment until 1966 when Paul built a house in Credit River Township.
The family home was soon filled with their six children: James, Brian, Mary, John, William and Patricia. Janis’ children were her pride and joy, and she loved being a homemaker. Paul and Janis made a life for their family dairy farming for the next 30 years.
In May of 1995 after nearly 32 years of marriage, Janis’ world was shaken with the death of her beloved Paul. He was the love of her life, and Janis missed her husband deeply. After Paul died, Janis spent much of her time at home as it was difficult for her to travel because of her health. She enjoyed watching game shows on T.V. with some of her favorites being Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and COPS. Janis was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Prior Lake. She was devout in her faith and would always pray the rosary during her frequent trips to dialysis. Janis was known to all as kind and strong woman.
On Saturday, August 24, 2013, at the age of 77, Janis died peacefully at home in the care of her son, Jim. Forever loved, Janis will be remembered by her children, James Ehlers of Prior Lake, Brian Ehlers of Prior Lake, Mary Ehlers of Shakopee, John (Cathy) Ehlers of Glencoe, Patricia Ehlers of Oakdale; sister, Nancy (John) Mooney of Lino Lakes; sister-in-law, Rosemary Malecha of Montgomery and other loving relatives and close friends.
Janis is preceded in death by her husband, Paul James Ehlers; parents and infant sister, Mary Beth.
The Mass of Christian Burial is on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 16311 Duluth Ave SE, Prior Lake with Father Martin Shallbetter presiding. Janis will be laid to rest at Credit River Cemetery.
The Ehlers family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel.
Visitation
When:Wednesday, August 28th, 10-11 AM
Location: Church of St. Michael
Address: 16311 Duluth Ave
Prior Lake, Minnesota
Service Information
When:Wednesday, August 28th, 11 AM
Location: Church of St. Michael
Address: 16311 Duluth Ave
Prior Lake, Minnesota
Interment
Credit River Cemetery
Prior Lake, Minnesota
