Janet Dysthe

Janet Dysthe, 91, of Madelia, MN, peacefully passed away at home on September 5, 2026, after a brief illness.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home, Madelia. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Janet was born on October 31, 1934, to Clarence and Josephine (Koch) Arens in Lismore, MN. She grew up on the family farm outside of Woodstock, MN and graduated from Pipestone High School. She went on to attend the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, where she earned her nursing degree.

After first meeting on a blind date, Janet and Howard Dysthe were married in 1956 at St. Martin Catholic Church in Woodstock. Shortly afterward they settled in Madelia and were wonderful parents to 5 children.

Janet was a devoted RN at the Madelia hospital for over 50 years, where she comforted and cared for generations of patients and built treasured friendships with colleagues. Janet kept a busy schedule. She was a long-time devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Madelia. She loved playing bridge, traveling, attending the theater, and spending time with friends and neighbors. Janet took great pride in her home and could often be spotted outside tending to her yard and gardens. Book Club, Lion's Club and Extension Group also kept her busy. And not to forget, Janet was an avid Vikings fan.

Having an October 31 birthday, Janet had a special fondness for Halloween, always enjoying trick-or-treaters, and never missed an opportunity to tease that she was a bona fide witch.

Janet was an elegant and inspirational lady. She will be most remembered for her genuine kindness, always speaking well of others, and sincere lasting friendships. Above all, she treasured her family and the many relationships that enriched her life.

Janet is survived by her children, Pat (Joe) Pfannenstein, Peggy (Doug) Osterman, Pam (Ken) Manning, Mike (Cindy) Dysthe and Mark (Kjersten) Dysthe; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; sister, Jean Mayer; brother, Richard (Susanne) Arens; sisters and brother-in-law, Marleen Arens, Shirla and Wendell Kuhl, and Teruko Dysthe; and many nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; brother, William Arens, Sr.; and nephew, William Arens, Jr.