Obituary of Janell M. (Johnson) Ernst

Janell Marie (Johnson) Ernst died of lung cancer Dec. 17, 2024, two days after her 67th birthday. She spent her early life in S. Dakota and Illinois before settling with her family in Saginaw and attending the Buena Vista schools, where Janell played flute in the BVHS concert band, was a cheerleader and edited the student newspaper, winning national newspaper honors before graduating in 1976. After graduating from Central Mich Univ, she was an editor for a now-defunct newly formed weekly newspaper in Owosso as well as working as a bookkeeper, secretary, dental lab technician, videographer, driver, public relations worker, grant writer, saleswoman, food preparer and more. She and her adoring partner and husband, Jerry, were together 40 years in Owosso.

Janell is survived by her mother, Judith Johnson, Saginaw; sister Jolene (David) and brother Jordan, both in Saginaw; brother Jeff (April) and sister Jodi, both of San Diego, Cal.; aunt and lifelong pal Sheila Knock of S. Dakota; and other uncles, aunts and cousins in and around S. Dakota. The family will receive visitors 1:00 -3:00 pm Saturday, December 21, 2024 at the Deisler Funeral Home, Saginaw. A Memorial Service will start at 3:00 p.m. Janell's cremated remains will be placed with those of her father, Gerald, at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Saginaw. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Cats of Owosso or other organizations of the donor's choice. www.DeislerFuneralHome.com