Janice Sue (Gruninger) Hofer (62) of Rochester MN went to be with her blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 8th, 2023, after a yearlong battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Janice was born on March 12, 1961 to Dale and Patricia (Young) Gruninger in Elmhurst, IL. She graduated from High School in Monroe, WI. She was a Registered Dietician and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital for a few years. She stayed home to raise her children and volunteered at many organizations.
In college, Janice accepted by faith the free gift of eternal life offered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Janice lived life with passion in whatever she did, seeking to glorify God. Janice volunteered for many organizations: including various roles at Christ Community Church, teaching Sunday School classes, (she especially loved teaching the 4 & 5 grade class), MOPS Mentor, leading Bible Studies etc. Over the years, she volunteered at Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, Schaeffer Academy, Community Food Response, New Life Family Services, mentoring single moms and doing costumes for plays. Her largest passion was volunteering for Operation Christmas Child (OCC). She would love to shop year-round for many charities including OCC and pack shoeboxes for children all around the world, so they could hear about Jesus. She was on the leadership team for SE MN OCC with the role of Community Relations.
Janice is survived by her husband of 31 years, Marlin, son Caleb, daughter Abigail and an “adopted” daughter Destinee Mangels (all from Rochester). She is also survived by her sisters, Kim Grayson (Marietta, GA), Cat Dols (Berthoud, CO) and a brother Curtis Gruninger (Beloit, WI) and many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Christ Community Church (4400 55th St. NW Rochester) on Thursday, December 14th from 4 – 6 pm and on Friday, December 15th from 3:30 – 5 pm. Celebration of Life will be at Christ Community at 5 pm on Friday, December 15th. Reception to follow. At the service Janice has requested that no one wear all black. She loves color.
In lieu of flowers Janice asked for donations to charities she cared about: Operation Christmas Child, Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, New Life Family Services, Alzheimer’s Association, The Landing or any cause you are passionate about.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences of Janice may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
Dear Marlin–I am so sorry to read this news. My heartfelt condolences to you, your children, and the rest of Janice’s family. God’s peace and strength to you at this time.
Dear Marlin, Caleb and Abigail,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved wife and mom, and I want to extend my most sincere condolences to you and your entire family. Your wife/mom was an extraordinary woman, and her light truly shone brightly in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her unwavering faith in God was a source of inspiration to all who were touched by her presence. It’s evident that her strong spirituality played a significant role in shaping the beautiful person she was, and the impact of her light will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who were blessed to share in her journey.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Becky Gerdes
To: Marlin, Caleb, Abigail, and Destinee – – – Our sincere sympathy. A very difficult year for the entire Hofer family. You know this already, we learned that Janice was an extraordinary person. Janice loved God, loved others, and loved her family! Matthew 25:31-46 are verses that Janice understood and lived by. We’ve made a donation to The Landing in memory of Janice. Given your strong faith, you know that God is comforting you right now! And you know that Janice is with her blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Marlin,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Janice was such a a special person. We know some day you will be reunited with her and she won’t be sick any more.
With sympathy,
Vern and Laurie (Hjermstad) Johnsrud
To: Marlin, Caleb, Abigail, and Destinee: My thoughts are with you at this time. The work Janice did for so many will not be forgotten. That takes a special talent and Janice had the gift.
With Sympathy,
Sharon Kingsley