Janet Goodrich, 91

Janet C. Goodrich, 91, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Monday, March 4, 2024 at St. Mark’s Senior Living.

Janet was born August 24, 1932 in Clear Lake, Iowa to Juhl and Virginia (Hubbard) Hansen. Janet’s strong work ethic was established at an early age while growing up on a farm near Wells, Minnesota and later on a farm near Sargeant, Minnesota. She graduated from Austin High School in 1950. Janet married Robert Goodrich on April 25, 1954 at Sargeant Methodist Church.

Following high school, she went to work in accounting for J.C. Penney; but in 1951, Hormel invited her to come to work in their corporate office. Janet’s career as an accountant with Hormel spanned 35 years. After retiring in 1986, Janet and Bob moved to Arizona where they lived for 15 years. Never able to sit still, Janet took a job working for K-Mart in Sun City, Arizona. In 1999, they purchased a cabin in Deerwood, Minnesota where they enjoyed their summers.

Janet was hardworking and always on a mission. She loved traveling, hunting, doing yardwork, mowing the lawn, and gardening. Janet was strong and independent – she was the first woman to get her motorcycle license in Minnesota. She was an excellent cook and she loved to cook for her entire extended family.

A collector of many things, Janet loved fancy work, sewing Hardanger embroidery, collecting Westmoreland Glass and traveling to Wall Drug to look at all of their turquoise and silver jewelry. She especially loved rings, and at one time, she had a ring for every finger. She was an excellent woodworker, and loved the finished product of hard work. Janet was very generous and enjoyed serving others.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob Goodrich in 2007; granddaughter, Jessica Stoll; twin sister, Janice Schilling; and brothers, James Hansen and Merlin Hansen.

Janet is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Joel Runtsch of Austin; grandson, Scott Wilson (Deanna Coble) of Byron and their children, Mariah, Brody, Sammy and Mike; granddaughter, Emily (Alex) Whiteis of Austin and their children, Ethan (Catie Haag), Reese and Meghan; step grandson, Andy Runtsch of Austin; step granddaughter, Tracy Runtsch of Austin and her daughter, Kaylee; sister, Marvel Johnson of Glenville; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 13th at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with Pastor Shari Mason officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.