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Jana Lynne Connor passed away after a short, unexpected illness on January 14, 2026 at the age of 72 with her husband at her side at Encore in North Branch, MN.

Jana was born November 24, 1953, in Medford, Oregon to Mildred and Dick Eklund.  The family returned to Minnesota in1954 where Jana grew up next to her grandparents’ small farm. 

Jana was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Mark.  

She is survived by her husband Mike; daughter Amanda Webster and grandson  Connor Anderson of East Bethel; a sister  Karen Johnson of Carlton; sisters and brothers in-law  Mitch and Sue Connor and Cindy and Dan Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jana received a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from the University of Minnesota and achieved enough credits for a Master’s degree. Jana life’s mission was to educate, guide, encourage, and inspire learners of all ages. She taught art education in a private school in Louisiana, in public schools in Minnesota, and taught private art lessons.  

Outside the classroom she had many other interests.  She was active in 4-H programs and enjoyed animals of all types, but cats held a special place in her heart. In retirement, she turned her creative energy and passion to quilting and wool applique work.   

At Jana’s request there will be no formal funeral service but rather a simple graveside service for the immediate family.  However, there will be a celebration of life on April 25 from 1-4 p.m. at the North Branch American Legion, hosted by her dearly beloved Quilting, Sewing and Wool Fabricator family.   This get-together will include a display of a portion of Jana’s creative work and provide an opportunity to tell stories, reminisce and celebrate Jana’s life and passion.  

The family would like to thank Encore and St. Croix Hospice for their professional care and support and Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch for end-of-life advice and arrangements. A more detailed obituary can be found on Grandstrand’s website.

If you would like to honor Jana’s memory, please give directly to: “Caring for Cats” or the “American Stroke Association”

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