Lynnell Marie Pemble

LYNNELL MARIE PEMBLE, age 75, of Janesville, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Friday, April 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on August 7, 1949, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, Lynnell was the daughter of Rolland and Enid (Mellem) Sande. She graduated from Lincoln High School and went on to study Home Economics and Preschool Education at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. On April 3, 1971, she married the love of her life and best friend, John Pemble, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.

Lynnell dedicated her early career to education, working at the University of Minnesota’s Waseca campus and as a preschool teacher in St. Clair. Once she and John began raising a family, Lynnell embraced her role as a full-time mother and partner on the farm with unwavering love and commitment.

At the heart of Lynnell’s life was a deep devotion to others. Her kindness and generosity were felt far and wide—as a 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher, and active member of Trinity Dorcas, the U of M Extension Program, and Sons of Norway. Alongside John, she opened her heart and home to 26 foreign exchange students through the Youth For Understanding (YFU) program, forming lifelong bonds across the globe.

Lynnell found joy in the everyday—spending time with family and friends, reading, baking, and sewing. She was best known for her lefse, pumpkin bars and chocolate chip cookies. A talented seamstress with a gentle spirit, she brought warmth, creativity, and care into everything she touched.

She was a woman of deep faith and a longtime, devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Smith’s Mill, where her life and legacy will be celebrated.

Lynnell is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, John; her mother, Enid Sande of Thief River Falls; her children: Anita (Ken) Rigdon of Mapleton, Jackie (Josh) Schweim of Eagle Lake, and Ray Pemble of Box Elder, SD; and her daughter-in-law, Michelle (Doug) Pemble-Frazey of Corcoran. She is also survived by her siblings: Gary (Dianna) Sande of Blaine, Gail (Toby) Klassen of St. Charles, and Carol (Bob) Crosbie of Lakeville. Her six adored grandchildren—Kayla Rigdon, Jacob Rigdon, Jocelyn Pemble, Conner Schweim, Nora Pemble, and Cora Schweim—will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her father, Rolland Sande, and her son, Ryan Pemble.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Smith’s Mill, and will continue one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Smith’s Mill, with Rev. Robert Harting officiating. Interment will follow at Smith’s Mill Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice.