Deanna Lee Janovsky

Deanna Lee Janovsky, age 76, of Mankato, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home on September 16, 2026. She was born on May 13, 1950, in Mankato, Minnesota, and remained a lifelong member of the community she loved.

Deanna graduated from Mankato High School in 1968. Throughout her working years, she held a variety of jobs, including working as a waitress and cab driver from 1975 to 1984. After obtaining her drafting degree from the Mankato Area Vocational-Technical Institute, she worked for Babcock Stone Company until its closing and then continued her career at Wells Concrete as a drafter until her retirement.

On August 4, 1984, Deanna married Glen Janovsky. Together, they built a loving family, and Glen adopted Deanna’s two children from a previous marriage, Paul and Tanya. Family was an important part of Deanna’s life, and she especially cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren.

Deanna had a generous heart and a special love for animals, especially dogs. She volunteered at an animal shelter and cared deeply for animals of all kinds. She was also an active member of VINE and enjoyed being involved in her community.

In her free time, Deanna enjoyed swimming, yardwork, gardening, and traveling. Her home was a gathering place for family and friends, and with her inground pool and welcoming spirit, she truly earned the affectionate title of the “Host with the Most.” She loved having people around her and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Deanna will be remembered for her loving heart, her devotion to family, her compassion for animals, her independent spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be treasured by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Deanna is survived by her loving husband, Glen A. Janovsky; her children Paul (Stephanie) Pagel of Rochester, MN; and Tanya (Troy) Hoehn of Mankato, MN; grandchildren, Brenden Hoehn of College Park, MD, Hope Hoehn of Mankato, MN, Skylar Pagel of Hamden, CT, and Paxton Pagel of Chaska, MN; sisters, Linda (Bill) Kalis of Wells, MN and Valory (Mike) Waligoski of Waconia, MN; and her beloved dog, Koda. She was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Elvera Griffing.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 1pm, with visitation beginning at 12pm. Desserts and beverages will be offered following the service.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.