Janet Marion Renz

Janet Marion Renz (Osell) March 14, 2026 After a full and active life, Janet "Jan" Renz passed away on March 14, 2026, at the age of 94. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on New Year's Eve of 1931, to Marion A. (Irwin) and Clarence R. Osell, Janet lived nearly her entire life in the Twin Cities. After graduating from Marshall High School in Southeast Minneapolis, Janet married Leland S. Renz and they began to raise their family of four children. Janet was an active bridge player and greatly enjoyed flowers and gardening; she also enjoyed interior decorating, especially during the holidays. One of her favorite activities was camping; Janet loved family camping outings throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, especially in Door County. In the mid-1970s, Janet earned her degree in elementary education at the University of Minnesota and began her career as an elementary school teacher with the Roseville MN school district. Janet loved working in the classroom, especially serving children with special educational needs. During her tenure, she also served in leadership roles with both the Roseville Education Association and the Minnesota Education Association (MEA). In retirement, Janet and a close-knit group of dear friends regularly played golf and often traveled together. Some of their most memorable trips were to Florida beaches and the Rhine River region of France. Janet had a lifelong affection for animals, from her earliest days with her dog, Scrappy, to later companions including the family dog, Muffin, and her cat, Lovey. Janet is survived by her sons, David (Sandra Renz), Gary (Susan Swierkos), and Brian (Karen Kelly), as well as seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Janet was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Lisa Jean Renz. A memorial service will be held on May 26, 2026, at the Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel at 2610 19th Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis. Visitation with the family will begin at 10 a.m. and the service will begin at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Janet's name to the Animal Humane Society of Minnesota (www.animalhumanesociety.org/).

Janet Marion Renz

December 31, 1931 - March 14, 2026

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services