Jane A. Kohner

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.