Jerome Edward Janda, 88

Jerome Edward Janda, age 88 formerly of Waterville, passed away on Monday, March 26, 2018 at the Trinity Care Center in Farmington. Born on November 8, 1929 in Waterville, Minnesota, he was the son of Emil and Christine (Schwartz) Janda.  Jerome grew up on the farm in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School.  He retired from Minnegasco where he worked as a home and commercial technician.  He served in the MN National Guard as a company clerk.   Jerome married Nellie Jane Pletcher on October 8, 1955 in Barnesville and they celebrated 56 years of marriage.  Jerome was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church-German Lake and the Lion's Club.  He had also been a long time member of the Waterville Fire Department and served as Fire Chief.  He enjoyed bowling and playing cards. He is survived by his children, Corinne Dodgen of Rosemount, Connie (Dave) Abrahamson of Sherburn, and Cathy (Chuck) Cheever of Hansville, WA; five grandchildren, Amanda, Christena, Joseph, Jessica and Abigail; and four great grandchildren.  He is also survived by two brothers, Francis of Chanhassen and Leroy of Moorhead; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nellie; brother, George; and son-in-law, Chuck Dodgen. Private family services are being held.  A public visitation will be held at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waterville on Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 4-7 PM.  Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Waterville Fire Department.