Karolina "Lina" Janovsky

Karolina "Lina" Janovsky, age 93, of Montgomery, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Cura Care Center in Le Sueur.

Born on April 28, 1933, in Mitteldachstetten, Germany, Lina was the daughter of Simon and Katharina (Wein) Guggenberger. She grew up in Germany during the difficult years of World War II and worked for many years as a nurse's aide. In 1957, she met, Joseph Janovsky, while he was stationed in Germany serving in the United States Army. They were united in marriage on November 15, 1958, at St. Ludwig Catholic Church in Ansbach, Germany.

Following Joe's honorable discharge from the Army, the couple moved to Montgomery in 1959, where they made their home and raised their son, Curt. Lina was the only member of her immediate family to make her home in America, though she remained deeply connected to her German roots and often returned to Germany for extended visits with family.

Lina dedicated herself to caring for others throughout her life. She was a devoted wife and caregiver, faithfully caring for Joe throughout their marriage until his death. Strong-willed, intelligent, and resilient, Lina was proud of her German heritage and was often described as a "tough German." A cancer survivor who also endured the loss of sight in one eye, she faced life's challenges with determination and strength.

Lina worked for more than 21 years at Munsingwear in Montgomery and later worked seasonally at Green Giant. Even during retirement, she enjoyed staying active and social, spending time making pizzas at Food & Fuel in Montgomery.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Lina was a longtime member of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. She rarely missed a weekly Mass, even after moving to Traditions of Montgomery. Over the years, she generously volunteered her time cleaning the church and helping with the parish Fall Festival.

Lina loved flowers, reading, history, and playing cards with her lady friends. She enjoyed being involved with the Red Hats, taking senior bus trips, attending family reunions, and socializing wherever she went. A true social butterfly, she especially enjoyed the friendships she made while living at Traditions of Montgomery and quickly became part of the community there.

Above all, Lina loved her family. She showed her love through acts of service, whether by cooking favorite meals, lending a helping hand, or simply always being available when someone needed her. She was a wonderful mother, a devoted grandmother, and a caring friend. Her grandchildren brought her great pride and joy, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

Lina is survived by her son, Curt (Ann) Janovsky of Le Sueur; two grandchildren, Gunnar Janovsky and Gretchen Janovsky; and nieces, Karola and Renate and their families, all of Germany; sisters-in-law: Mary Kukacka, Diane Grabinger and Dorothy Malz.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Simon and Katharina (Wein) Guggenberger; her husband, Joseph Janovsky; her sister, Babette Landshuter; and many Janovsky in-laws.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Montgomery.

The family wishes to thank and express their sincere appreciation to the wonderful staffs of Traditions of Montgomery, St. Croix Hospice, and Cura Care Center for the compassionate care Lina received during her final years.

SchoenbauerFuneralHome.com