Janene Joy Grosz

1964 - 2025

Janene Joy Grosz, 61, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at home on April 27, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Janene was born on March 3, 1964, in Worthington, Minnesota, the daughter of Allen and Violet (Anderson) Schmidt. She grew up on an acreage near Ocheyedan and attended Zion Lutheran Parochial School and later Ocheyedan High School where she graduated in 1982. She went on to study Accounting at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa, earning her Associate’s degree in 1984.

On February 14, 1987, Janene was united in marriage to Steven Winters at Zion Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Rachel Rose, Stephanie Joy, Kenneth Allen, and Justin Lee. They resided near Ocheyedan for many years.

In July 2021, Janene married John Grosz. They shared three and a half wonderful years together, playing in many bands, including Janene’s own group, Janene and the Machine. She was honored with induction into The Legends of Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame.

Earlier in her life, Janene was employed at Worthington Federal Savings and Loan and at the Memorial Auditorium in Worthington, Minnesota. Most recently, she worked at GreatLife/Duffer’s Bar & Grill in Worthington.

Janene loved singing in choirs, bands, and at many community events. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, caring for her dogs, birdwatching, and tending to the local ducks in Sioux Falls. Her sunroom was a vibrant garden filled with plants of every kind; especially African violets grown in memory of her mother. Above all, Janene cherished spending time with her family, grandchildren, and friends. She will be remembered as a strong, determined, and kind-hearted woman, but above all, a child of God.

Janene is survived by her husband, John Grosz of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; her daughters Rachel van Huyssteen (Quintin; children: Kierra, Elzaan, and Saskia) of Reno, Nevada, and Stephanie Appel (Jeremy; child: Julie) of Bigelow, Minnesota; her sons Kenny Winters (Michaela; children: Violet and Elena) of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and Justin Winters of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; her sister Jill Ver Mulm (Roger; children: Ashlee and Ryan) of Sioux Center, Iowa; her brother David Schmidt (Dayna; children: Abby and Emily) of Spencer, Iowa; Bentley (daughter of Ashlee) and Shelby (spouse of Ryan); her Aunt Janet Hundertmark (Ginger) of Mesa, Arizona and the father of her four children, Steve Winters of Ocheyedan, Iowa. She is also survived by her Father-in-law, John Grosz Sr. of Pierre, SD, Mother-in-law, Alice Tulio of Somerton, AZ, brothers-in-law, Todd (Tina) Grosz of Las Vegas, NV, Cory Grosz of Round Rock, TX, Daniel Grosz of Brandon, SD, special sister-in-law, Melanie (Steve) Nelson, and sister-in-law, Naomi Grosz of Milan, MN. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Violet Schmidt, and her brothers Gregory and James, who died in infancy.

A Visitation will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 5-7 PM, with "Sharing of Memories" starting at 6 PM, at Heritage Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held 11 AM, Friday, May 2, 2025 at American Reformed Church with Pastor James Albrecht officiating,  1720 Burlington Ave, Worthington, MN 56187.  Following the service, the family invites you to join them for a lunch reception at Duffer's Bar & Grill.

Flowers:
If you wish to send flowers, you may contact Hy-Vee Floral at 3000 S. Minnesota Avenue in Sioux Falls, or order from your favorite local flower shop. Please have flowers delivered by 1:00 PM on Thursday, May 1, to Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.