Janice Jean Elam

Janice Jean Elam, of Litchfield MN, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024 at the age of 81. She was born on Nov. 20, 1942 at Hutchinson Community Hospital, the daughter of George and Rachel (Duehlmeier) Runke. 

A time for visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills, MN, and will continue at 10:00 a.m. the next day. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor David Markworth officiating. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery.

Jan was married to Gene Marcus Elam on September 27, 1964. They spent 59 years together raising their family and making memories. Jan was a loving mother to sons: Mike (Carol) Elam of LeRoy, IL; Jeff (Dannelle Hartfiel) Elam of Buffalo, MN; and Stephen (Penny) Elam of Moneta, VA; and daughter, Kristen Elam of Litchfield, MN. She was a proud grandmother to Jeremy (Haley), Benjamin, Cameron, Zachariah, Samantha, and Abraham Elam. She recently became a great-grandma to Caroline Elam. She loved spending time with her family and cherished every moment she was with them. Jan has a surviving sister, Lois (John) Dahl of Dassel, MN, and a sister-in-law, Shirley Mae Runke of Ocala, FL.

Jan loved children. She acquired a teaching degree from Dr. Martin Lutheran College in New Ulm, MN.  She taught in Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin prior to marriage. She was a Special Education Paraprofessional for 24 years in the Ripley Elementary school. She assisted many children in achieving their highest potential.

Jan loved God and family. She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cedar Mills, MN. She was baptized on Dec. 13, 1942. She was confirmed May 20, 1956. She was a very active member of the church and appreciated the fellowship with the other parish members and her bible group. She enjoyed decorating the church for the various seasons over the years. She was also a member of the Mary Martha Guild.  

A good day was a day Jan could go fishing off the dock at their cabin on Diamond Lake, MN. She enjoyed sewing and lovingly made many quilted blankets for family. She loved gardening and plants and was always willing to share with others.  She enjoyed playing cards and games with friends and family.

Those proceeding Jan in death were her parents, George and Rachel Runke; sister, Shirley Ann Runke; brothers, George Runke and Willard Runke. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Immanuel Grace Lutheran School, 20849 Walden Ave, Hutchinson, MN in her memory.