Joni Robin Janovsky

JONI ROBIN JANOVSKY, age 66 of Owatonna, died in the late afternoon of Monday, February 12, 2024, at the New Richland Care Center.

Joni was born in St. James on October 17, 1957, to parents Robert and Martha (Elder) Miller.  She graduated from St. James High School.  Joni was married to David Janovsky on September 23, 1978, and they established their family over the years that followed.  They later divorced but remained close as they raised their children and throughout their lives.  Joni later spent over 27 years with Myles Balfe, Jr. until his passing.  Joni loved her previous job of eight years at Fleet Farm in Owatonna, and also as an EDI clerk at KGP Telecommunications in Faribault where she worked for over twenty-five years.  More than anything in the world, she loved to spend time caring for her grandchildren.  They always came first in her life and all of the kids will continue to feel that for years to come.  Joni enjoyed reading, cooking (especially her famous spaghetti), following the Minnesota Twins, watching her kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events, and was rarely found without a Pepsi in her hand.  She was a welcoming, caring, consistent mother-figure to anyone that needed her, and she will be sorely missed by many.

Joni is survived by children Jackie (Matt Marik) Janovsky of Waseca, Tyler Janovsky of Oak Park, Amy (Brad) Porter of Anoka, Joseph (Katie) Balfe of Kilkenny, Jacob (Fabiana Germani) Janovsky of Winona, and Erik Balfe of Anoka; a sister, Lori (Jake) Terwey of St. Joseph; her former husband, David (Sandy Illg) Janovsky; fifteen grandchildren; two grand-dogs; her parents-in-law, Gerald and Jeanette Groh; her siblings-in-law, Chris (Kristy Abrego-Dennison) Balfe, Gary (Kristine Hanson) Balfe, Annette (Tim Friedrichs) Balfe, Mark Balfe, and Randy (fiancé Pat) Nessler; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Kari Nessler; her long-time partner, Myles Balfe; and a brother-in-law, Paul Balfe.

Private family services will be held at a later date.