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MORGAN--Janice L. Tempel, age 79, of Morgan, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at Glencoe Regional Health in Glencoe, Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Morgan, Minnesota, with lunch to follow. Visitation will take place at the church on Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 3-6 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be at the St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are by Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Olivia, MN 56277.
Janice Lorraine Tempel was born on October 12, 1946, in Springfield, MN to Otto and Irene (Krzmarzick) Utz. On August 17, 1968, Janice was united in marriage to Stephen Paul Tempel at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Springfield. They shared 57 wonderful years together.
Janice was raised into a faith-based home, surrounded by loving parents and siblings. Her faith remained an important part of who she was throughout her life. She had a deep love for God and attended church faithfully, going to daily Mass whenever she was able.
At a young age, Janice began working as a babysitter and nanny for many local families. Her first job was as a secretary at the local Vigorena Feeds office, where the community center now stands.
Later, Janice operated a daycare from her home for 25 years, helping raise countless babies and children along the way. The babies were always her favorite. She had a natural way of caring for children, and her patience and nurturing nature touched generations of families.
That certainly didn't stop when her own children grew up. Years beyond the daycare days, her children still turned to Mom for advice about a cough, a cold, or whatever else came up. They continued seeking that advice right up until her final days.
Janice was an extremely talented seamstress, and sewing was one of the ways she gave to others. She made crib sheets, baby pajamas, dresses, doll clothes and quilts, including quilts for her children and grandchildren. She made pajamas for grandchildren, daycare children and the Christmas giving tree, and altered more than a few prom dresses along the way.
Many of the things Janice made are still being worn, used and passed down through her family. She would sew or alter just about anything for anyone who asked, and most of the time her price was simply a favor in return--or maybe enough to cover a new spool of thread.
Janice was also an amazing cook and baker. Her holiday dressing, potato salad and BBQs were just a few of the family favorites that will be missed. It didn't seem to matter what she had for ingredients; somehow, it always turned out just right. She enjoyed making holidays and family occasions special and rarely forgot a birthday.
She loved to read and spent countless hours with books, always learning and finding enjoyment in another story. She enjoyed watching Westerns and CSI, and loved playing cards whenever she had the opportunity. And Janice certainly enjoyed shopping. Purses and shoes held a special place in her heart.
Janice was generous with what she had, and it was rare to leave her home without her finding something she thought you should take with you.
Above everything else, Janice had a deep love for God, her husband, her children and her grandchildren. Family was at the center of her life, and she spent much of that life caring for others.
Her love and influence reached far beyond her own family--to the children she cared for, the people she sewed for, the friends and family she prayed for, and the many others who were fortunate enough to know her.
Janice leaves behind not only the family she loved so dearly, but countless memories, traditions and pieces of herself that will continue to be carried forward by those whose lives she touched.
Janice is survived by her eight children, 23 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Melissa (Scott) Trebesch and children Sierra and Rachel of Glencoe, Jennie (Mike) Neyers, and children Michaela and Jenna of Glencoe, Sara Tempel and children Alexis (Chase), Malakai, Ezekiel, Elijah of Franklin, Katie (Jared) Madsen and children Rosalyn (Treston) Mathiowetz, Hunter of Franklin, John Tempel and children Taylor (Dawson) Hacker, Shayla, Iliana, Margaret, Theodore, Wilder of Morgan, Laura (Adam) Suess and children Vincente, Rose, Scarlett of Hanska, Emily (Truth) Tempel and child Eloise of Mankato, Bridget (Jacob) Yurek and children Cash, Zane, Liesl of Dassel.
She is also survived by brothers Robert (Rosie) Utz, Jerry (Pat) Utz, Tom (Marie) Utz, sister Jolene (Dennis) Tempel. Sister-in laws Jeanne (Greg) Green, Rita (Terry) Nelson, Betty Tempel, and brother-in-law Dale (Janet) Tauer. Janice was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Stephen, sister-in-law Margaret Tauer, and brother-in-law Rodney Tempel.
Blessed Be Her Memory