Janelle Marie Ryan

Janelle M. Ryan, age 71 of Gaylord, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Green Isle, MN. Visitation will be held at the church two hours prior to Mass. Private interment will take place at a later date in St. Brendan’s Catholic Cemetery. Luncheon at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Arlington to follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Janelle was born on March 3, 1955, in Waconia, MN, to Donald and Evangeline (Schrupp) Kowalke. She grew up in the Norwood/Mayer area and graduated from Central High School in Norwood. Not long after graduation, fate brought her to a dance in Plato, MN, where she met the love of her life, Terrance “Terry” Ryan. What began as a chance meeting on the dance floor blossomed into a lifetime of love and companionship. Terry and Janelle were married on September 12, 1981.

Throughout her life, Janelle worked at various nursing home facilities throughout Sibley County and spent time working as a housekeeper. With her gentle nature and caring heart, she had a special way of making those around her feel comfortable and cared for. However, of all the roles she held throughout her life, none meant more to her than being a mother and grandmother.

Janelle was truly one of those special people who seemed to have the patience of a saint and a smile that could brighten anyone's day. Kindhearted, loving, and always thinking of others, she had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Her family was the center of her world, and nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her children and grandchildren. And if there was one thing everyone knew about Janelle, it was her love for Christmas. The joy, togetherness, and spirit of the season were everything she loved most.

Janelle is survived by her loving husband, Terry of Gaylord, MN; children, Matthew Ryan of Gaylord, MN, Michelle (Jay Stier) Ryan of Belle Plaine, MN, James “Jimmy” Ryan of Gaylord, MN, and Anna (Cory) Kramer of Henderson, MN; grandchildren, Joeseph Ryan, Candace Ryan, Collin and Cody Stier, and Blakely & Abigail Kramer.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Evangeline Kowalke; parents-in-law, Joseph and Rita Ryan; and several other in-laws.