"Many, many years ago, I was a student at Vo-Tech, where she taught. She was firm, but a thoughtful and gracious woman. I enjoyed and retained instruction from her."
In loving memory of
Jane A. Kohner
October 11, 1930 - May 12, 2019
Jane A. Kohner, died May 12, 2019, in the arms of her family, at the age of 88 years, 7 months and 1 day.
Jane was born in Milwaukee, WI, to Fredrick and Modesta (Michalowski) Scheets on October 11, 1930, followed a few minutes later by the birth of her twin sister Jeanne. She graduated from Cathedral High School, The College of St Catherine, and Winona State University.
Jane married her one true love, and high school sweetheart, Edward Kohner, on December 1, 1951. They enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage before Ed's death in 2011. During those 60 years they traveled extensively, and when they retired decided to make their winter home in a city called Frostproof, Florida. This home saw many wonderful celebrations with family and friends.
Jane began her career as a Registered Nurse, working at Winona General Hospital, where obstetrics was her chosen field. This was followed by a nursing faculty position at Winona Technical College, and eventually into the position of Director of Nursing. She would stay in this position for the next 30 years until her retirement in 1992. Jane would touch many lives and helped to shape several generations of nurses.
Jane was an incredibly brilliant woman. She would be our "phone a friend" whenever we would need an answer to some random question. She not only always knew the answer but would provide an entire essay on the history behind the question. We will miss those calls, Mom.
She was more than our mother/grandmother. She was our nurturer, our travel partner, our mentor, our wisdom and our friend. She gave each of us her love unconditionally. She was our soft place to fall.
Her love of the arts; theater, dance and opera in particular, was contagious. She would often turn up the volume on the stereo and loudly sing along to her favorite operatic aria. For many years her Saturdays were spent with her sister at the Ordway or the Orpheum taking in the newest theatrical offering.
Jane was a volunteer for Winona Area Hospice, The American Heart Association, and The American Cancer Society, served on the Polish Heritage Society Board of Directors and was the recipient of the Presidential Citation Award from Southeast Technical College, one of the first two awarded for "recognition of a distinguished career dedicated to vocational and technical education".
Jane will be forever loved and deeply missed by her children, Daniel (Deb) Kohner, Laurie Kohner Becker, and Tony (Terri) Fritz; eight grandchildren, Katie (Chad) Maschka, Ryan (Maria) Becker, Rachel (A.J.) Kanz, Stephanie Kohner, Jennifer (Kevin) Suber, Joseph Kohner, Daniel (Courtney) Fritz, and Kelly Fritz; fourteen great grandchildren Jacob, Alex, Isaiah, Andrew, Landon, Aria, Alivia, Ashlynn, Gwen, Ryan, Samaya, Novaley, Hope and Makai; goddaughter, Kathleen (James) Lanik, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ed, daughter Lynn Kohner Fritz, son in law, William Becker, twin sister Jeanne Burke, brothers Fred Scheets and Robert Scheets, and great grandsons Garrett and Gavin Kanz.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Winona Health Hospice, and Sauer Health Care, for their loving and professional care and concern given not only to our mom, but to our entire family. You represent the true definition of quality excellence.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 p.m., Thursday, May 16, 2019 at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka with the Reverend Paul Breza officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, May 15 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, and one hour prior to Mass at the church. Private family burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Please leave a memory of Jane and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"We will always remember Jane's kindness to us when we used to waitress the Polish Pancake Breakfasts at the Polish Heritage Lodge. Our condolences to her family as they mourn her passing."
"To the Kohner, Becker and extended family, I send my deepest sympathy in the passing of Jane. I am so sorry I was not able to attend in person to pay my respects to a great woman. I hope the family enjoys the flowers from the Milwaukee Michalowski Family (Judy Brown, Jane Gray & Family, Steve Michalowski & Family). I will treasure the great memories of visiting Winona and the Kohner home as a child as well as all the other family gatherings in Winona over the years especially the 50th birthday bash for the twins. May you rest in peace Jane! Jane Gray (Michalowski) and Family "
"Kohner Family and Becker Family~ May you find peace in the days ahead and comfort in knowing that Jane is at rest. She truly was a matriarch, a teacher, a leader but most of all a Mother. For all who knew Jane, you will never forget her smile and her wit. Jane endured a life of love with Ed, hand in hand as the pictures show. Her family was her passion, her pride and joy, that legacy continues in you Dan and Laurie and onto your children. God Bless, Tammy Seebold"
"I remember a particular Women?s Weekend when Jane gave me her ?boot? after finishing off the beer inside. Her wonderful sense of humor always added to these weekends. RIP beautiful lady Jane!"
"Grandma Jane, Mom Jane............Heaven gained another Beautiful Angel. Thank You for your Spirit!! I smile when I think of you. Gonna miss you so much! I Love You!"
"I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Back when I was in nursing school in 1983, Jane was a great leader and teacher. A truly classy, intelligent lady who cared about her students and then some. Fly with the angels sweet, sweet lady. You will never be forgotten. ??"
"As a distant family member, observing Jane for many years, she has always impressed me as being a very positive person. I never observed her in any negative way at all. She always saw the best in people and encouraged them to move forward. She was also a positive roll model in her marriage with Ed. We will miss Jane."
"I have many wonderful memories of Jane. Moving here in 64 she and her family welcomed us and we enjoyed many years of friendship. Her singing was amazing. The Kohner family will always hold a special place in our hearts. Colleen Mc Cauley and family"
"Dear family members of Jane Kohner - I am sorry for your loss! I knew Jane as one of coolest moms ever! Through my good friend Lynn, I was able to know this wonderful, witty, smart woman. She taught me how to sew, make the most awesome lasagna, and was always so welcoming to me as a shy teenager. My first thought when I heard of her passing was the joy and laughter in heaven as Ed and Jane unite with their beautiful daughter Lynn. My prayers are with Laurie, Danny and all family members, as you celebrate Jane's amazing life! "
"Jane Kohner, after graduating in 1971 in the LPN program, I have not forgotten you. You always had a beautiful smile, and so much patience. I worked for 42 years in Arcadia,WI before retiring. It sounds like you have a most wonderful family, and a wonderful life. Peace be with you. God bless your family and friends. Dottie Seiler/Myers"
"This woman! I was lucky enough to attend the Practical Nursing Program where she was one of the instructors. Jane was funny, loving and what a great instructor! She could be tough if she knew you needed it! I needed it at times and she was there making me stronger! I appreciate every single thing this woman did for me! She made a real difference on this earth just by being Jane. You will be missed, but your spirit lives on in all the people you touched over the years! Hugs to Lori and the family of Jane! Liz Johnston Schwab"
"Being in the LPN program at Winona Vo.Tech. 1969-1970, I was priviledged to be guided to an LPN career by Jane Kohner. Along with the book studies and clinicals she conveyed the attitude and practical knowledge that was all so important to make a successful nurse.She will not be forgotten by so many who have crossed her paths over the years. Joan Redig"
"Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family."
"I always looked to Jane as someone who was bigger than life. She had so much passion that she infected you with. She brought so much joy, happiness and laughter to all she was around. Personally, I will always remember in sharing with her, our fandom of Elvis, The Rolling Stones, the World Champion Minnesota Twins, and of course I got to indulge with her when Brett Farve finally suited up for the Good Guys in Purple. I will miss you Jane, but I have so many wonderful memories that will never be forgotten. May you truly rest in peace Joey Mantel"
"Jane, you have touched so many hearts through your years of life. We have so many fond memories with you and Ed. You will always have a place in our hearts. RIP....... You have earned it!!! Bob & Tammy "
"God go with you Jane! I have you to thank for my career as an LPN. I hold so much respect for you and all that you taught me. I loved nursing and spent 33 yrs. at Mayo. I have thought of you fondly since graduation. You definitely set a standard for nursing that I strived to live up to. My sympathy to your family. Thank you for all that you for all that you instilled in me! I will forever be grateful. Sharon Jacobson Woxland Class of 1973 Bradenton, FL"
"Aunt Jane always made me feel loved & special when I saw her, she would look me in the eyes and say my name in a way that I was able to feel the love of my mother, her identical twin sister. I love you Aunt Jane. Kevin"