Janis L. Triplett (nee Johnson)

Janis L Triplett (nee Johnson), age 78 of White Bear Lake, MN, formerly of Lake Elmo, MN, passed away on February 5th, 2026.

Jan was born on May 7, 1947, in Lincoln Nebraska to Dr. Robert and Jan Johnson. They lived in several upper Midwest communities before settling in Bayport, MN. Jan graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, earning her teaching degree in music. Starting her career as a music teacher, she soon switched to Special Education where she earned her Master's degree. She worked for over 40 years as an outstanding teacher and administrator at ISD 916 and Minnesota Life College. She met the love of her life, Kearney, on the opposite side of a double date. It wasn't very long before the two of them eloped to Watertown, S.D., in 1969. They moved to Kalispell, Montana, where they had their first son, Joe. Kearney got a job at 3M so they moved back to Minnesota where they had their second son, Ben, and raised their family at their farmhouse in Lake Elmo.

Jan was known for her amazing smile, and she shared it with everyone. She was an accomplished piano player and had an excellent signing voice. She was a proud four year member of the nationally respected Concordia College Choir. She loved outdoor activities. Camping, canoeing, and houseboating on the border lakes of northern Minnesota. Two of her absolute favorite activities were fishing and gardening. She also loved her trips to the casino and was a terrific cook. She loved spending time and traveling with Kern, and they had many adventures. The loves of her life were her 5 grandchildren, and she could not spend enough time with them.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jan, and her beloved husband of 56 years, Kearney. She is survived by her sons, Joe (Heather) and Ben (Andrea); grandchildren, Regan, Kendall, Cameron, Natalie and Matthew; sisters, Syd Grosfield and Robin Younggren; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends.

Services will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, at Bradshaw, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear, MN 55127, with visitation beginning one hour earlier at 2:00 pm. Following the service, we will celebrate Jan with drinks and food at Jimmy's Event Center in Vadnais Heights.