Janet (Jan) Lou Gonnella, 81, of Rochester died Thursday, August 31 st , 2017 of natural causes. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Norman Thomas Gonnella.

Visitations will be from 5 pm to 8 pm with a vigil at 6:30 pm at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home on Thursday, September7th and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Funeral Mass will be held at Pax Christi Catholic Church in Rochester at 11:00 am on Friday, September 8 th with Rev. Will Thompson officiating.  A reception meal will be at Pax after the service. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester following the reception.

Jan (Kelly) was born July 8, 1936, the second daughter of Gorden and Dellia Kelly in Renville County, Minnesota. She learned the value of hard work while growing up on the family farm with her four sisters and a brother. She graduated from Olivia High School.

After high school, Jan moved to Minneapolis, where she worked as a secretary. While in Minneapolis, she attended single activities at the Catholic Youth Center where she met her future husband. The two wed on December 31 st , 1960.

Following their marriage, the couple lived in Minneapolis for a few years, then moved to Dodge Center, and finally settled in Rochester, Minnesota.

During their marriage, Jan dedicated her energy and joy into raising her children. She was a motivator for her children in scouting and 4H. Through her example, she taught them to love  God, work hard and help others. Over the years, she contributed her time and talents in the service of her church family, friends, and in the whole community.  Jan enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, gardening, reading, and corresponding with loved ones far and wide.  Jan had a gift for listening and asking just the right questions to get to the heart of the matter. She made people feel heard and loved. Anyone who knew Jan knew that she had a big heart full of charity and grace. She was a true follower of Christ with a servant heart.

Jan is survived by husband Norman, children- Mary (Brad) King, Mark (Laura) Gonnella, Paul (Nancy) Gonnella, Tom (Chris) Gonnella, Deb Gonnella, and Jim (Sarah) Gonnella. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Patrick.

Memorial in Jan's name can be sent to Dr. Bill Fryda at: American Foundation for Children with AIDS Attn: MMCT Donation Desk 6221 Blue Grass Avenue Harrisburg, PA  17112 Memo line of check: for Medical Charitable Trust