Janice "Jan" Ann Krambeer

Janice “Jan” Ann Krambeer, age 87, of Austin, Minnesota, died Friday, July 12, 2024, at Our House Senior Living in Austin. Jan was born January 11, 1937, to Roy and Elsie (Teeple) Krambeer in Greene, Iowa. 

Jan graduated from Greene High School in 1954, then went on to receive her BA degree from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa, and her MA degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She taught in Williamsburg, Iowa, and Eagle Grove, Iowa, and then taught 31 years at Austin High School in Austin, Minnesota, until her retirement in 1996. Jan was instrumental in developing and instituting the Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) program for teachers, which influenced the writing and learning of hundreds of students. She loved teaching and impacted the lives of many students.

Jan was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, involved in book study groups, Wednesday night suppers, serving funeral lunches, and ushering. She helped establish the backpack program which continues to provide supplemental weekend food for Austin’s Head Start children.

Jan enjoyed traveling, including summering in Vermont, camping throughout the United States and Canada, cruising to Alaska and four Viking River cruises in Europe. She enjoyed reading, playing cribbage, watching birds, and family reunions. Jan will be remembered for her quick wit and one liners. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Jan is survived by many cousins; special friends, Darlys Smith, Paul and Coni Nelson; goddaughters, Emily Beaver and Erin Heinlen; her “chosen” family and numerous friends.

The memorial service for Jan will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester, St. Olaf Church Backpack Program, or donor's choice. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.