Jeanette Karjala

Jeanette Arlene Karjala, of Menahga, Minnesota, born Feb. 21, 1942, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 84. 

 Jeanette lived a life deeply dedicated to education and the success of her students. She began her own schooling in a one-room schoolhouse in Menahga, Minnesota, going on to graduate from Lathrop High School in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1960 before completing an undergraduate degree at Western Washington University.  During her years as a high school teacher in Washington State, Jeanette continued her education, earning a Master of Arts in Business Teacher Education and Economics from Western Washington University in 1974. She later completed her Ph.D. in Business and Vocational Education/Records and Information Resources Management at the University of North Dakota in 1983, where she also began her career in higher education. 

Jeanette served as an Assistant Professor of Business Education at Minot State University from 1983 to 1986. She then joined St. Cloud State University, where she was an Associate Professor from 1986 to 1992. She later became a Professor of Business Education at Winona State University, also serving as Business Education Program Director. She retired in 2010 after a distinguished academic career.  Jeanette was deeply appreciated by her students for her kindness, dedication, and unwavering desire to see them succeed. Her impact extended far beyond the classroom, shaping the lives and careers of many. She had a wonderful sense of humor and will be especially remembered for her warmth and laughter, which brought joy to those around her. 

In addition to her dedication to education, Jeanette was a talented musician. She completed her undergraduate degree in Washington state on a music scholarship and was an accomplished oboe and clarinet player. She also loved playing the piano and was a gifted singer, sharing her talents for many years with Sweet Adelines groups and church choirs. Music remained an important and joyful part of her life. In her younger years, she and her sister Lorraine attended Finnish church services with their uncle Emil who was a visiting pastor on occasion at the church just outside their hometown, where Jeanette played the piano and both girls sang hymn duets in Finnish. 

Jeanette was very proud of her family’s Finnish heritage. In her retirement, she traveled to Finland, attended annual FinnFest activities whenever she was able, and maintained a connection to her roots by subscribing to Finnish-language publications throughout her life.  Jeanette was also deeply devoted to her family and friends. She traveled often to visit those she cared about and showed the same kindness, support, and encouragement to her loved ones as she did to her students. Her generosity of spirit and genuine care for others were evident in every part of her life.  

The oldest of six children, Jeanette is survived by her sisters, Lorraine and Sheila, and her brothers, Ernie and Duane.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edwin; her mother, Hilja; and her youngest brother, Larry, whose death was a source of deep sorrow for her. She will be deeply missed by her siblings and by her many nieces and nephews, with whom she spent much time and upon whom she often showered gifts. She will be remembered for her commitment to education, her warmth and humor, her musical talent, and the lasting influence she had on those she taught and loved. 

                  In leiu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Menhaga Senior & Community Center and HIA Hospice.

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