Mapleton — Janis Kay Ek, age 74, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026. She was a lifelong Minnesota resident whose life was shaped by family, steady work, and simple joys that brought her happiness throughout the years.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Blu Bair Bar, 100 S Main St, Delavan, MN. Memorials may be directed to her daughters, Lisa or Abby, in honor of her memory.
Early Life and Education
Janis was born on July 30, 1951, in Mankato to Luverne “Red” and Betty Alschlager.
She grew up in Mapleton and graduated from Mapleton High School in 1969. Friends and family remember her as someone who built strong early connections in her hometown and carried those relationships throughout her life.
Work and Dedication
Janis worked at Johnson Fishing and Midwest Electric early in her career, later transitioning into housekeeping roles that became a long-term part of her working life.
In 1976, she began working at Mapleton Community Home, a place she would return to later in life and eventually retire from in December 2016.
Her work was steady, consistent, and rooted in responsibility. She was known for reliability and dedication in every role she took on.
Marriage and Family Life
Janis married Dennis Schultz in May 1973, and together they had two daughters, Lisa and Abby.
After his passing in August 1999, she later married Brian Ek in June 2000 and moved to North Carolina. During this time, she continued her work in housekeeping at the Holiday Inn Express.
Following their divorce in 2008, Janis returned to Mapleton, where she continued working at Mapleton Community Home until retirement.
Her life reflected resilience through change, always returning to what mattered most—family and home.
Hobbies and Personal Joys
Outside of work, Janis found joy in simple and creative activities.
She enjoyed:
- puzzles
- latch hook and ceramics
- collecting lighthouses
- playing cards
- and spending time with family
These hobbies reflected her patient and steady nature, and they became meaningful parts of her daily life.
Family and Survivors
Janis is survived by her daughters, Lisa (Chris Hill) Schultz and Abby (Tim) Tomisin; grandchildren MaKenna Hill, Timmy, and Ryker Tomisin; along with extended family including aunts, uncles, cousins, and many close friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis and her parents, Luverne “Red” and Betty Alschlager.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Blu Bair Bar, 100 S Main St, Delavan, MN.
Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life built on love, work, and quiet strength.
Final Tribute
Janis Kay Ek will be remembered for her steady presence, her dedication to family, and the simple joys she found in everyday life.
Her story is one of consistency and care—showing up for work, for family, and for the people who mattered most to her.
In the hearts of those who knew her, her memory remains rooted not in grand moments, but in the everyday life she lived so faithfully.
