Janice Kay Samaraka

JANICE KAY SAMARAKA (GILSTER), age 75, of Estherville, IA and formerly of Waseca, MN, passed away on October 18, 2023 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Born on January 14, 1948 in Waseca, Janice was the daughter of Arno and Alvina (Detjen) Gilster. She graduated from Waldorf High School. On June 17, 1967, Janice was united in marriage to Nick Samaraka at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland. Together, they raised three children, Troy, Randy, and Mikole.

 Janice spent much of her career working as a Title 1 Teacher at Hartley Elementary School in Waseca. She was a member of First Congregational Church in Waseca where she served in various roles. She most recently was a member of First Christian Church in Estherville, IA. She was always lending a hand to those who needed it. Jan enjoyed playing piano, where she could learn a song just by listening to it. She especially loved playing ABBA songs. Her family was everything to her. She would cherish the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. She was a loving mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Janice is survived by her children, Troy (Sarah) Samaraka of Hudson, WI, Randy (Deanna) Samaraka of Farmington, MN, Mikole “Mikki” (Tyson) Henrickson of Estherville, IA; grandchildren, Savannah, Mackay, Baley, Harper, Yates; siblings; Wanita (Frank) Groskreutz of Waseca, MN, Alvin Gilster of LeCenter, MN, John Gilster of Waseca, MN, Judy Webber of Waseca, MN, Larry (Sue) Gilster of Mankato, MN, sister-in-law, Florence Gilster of Albert Lea and many other relatives and friends.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Nick Samaraka; parents, Arno and Alvina Gilster; brother, Daniel Gilster; sister-in-law, Violet Gilster; and brother-in-law, Blackie Webber.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at First Congregational Church in Waseca. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Woodville Cemetery.