Ethel Marie Sens

ETHEL MARIE SENS, age 85, of Janesville, died on Saturday, April 21, 2024, at her home in Janesville. 

Born on November 3, 1938, in Mankato, she was the only child of Theo “Ted” and Lillian (Salisbury) Johnson. She began her education at a one room schoolhouse in rural Blue Earth County which she attended through 8^th grade before attending Mankato High School, graduating with the class of 1956. She continued her education at Mankato State University where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Ethel taught for a few years in Le Sueur and at Monroe Elementary School in North Mankato. On June 17, 1961, Ethel was united in marriage to Steve Sens at Belgrade Avenue Methodist Church in North Mankato. In 1964, Ethel and Steve moved to Janesville where they raised their three daughters and purchased Don’s Café, renaming it the Village Diner. Together they created the Heritage House, which they owned and operated for several years. Ethel later worked at Shopko for many years before retiring in 2003. 

Ethel enjoyed bowling, bridge, gardening, and was an avid Minnesota Twins fan. She was a member of the Janesville united Methodist church where she taught Sunday School and also served as a Girl Scout Leader for many years. Above all else, Ethel cherished the time she spent with the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed. 

Ethel is survived by her daughters: Tami Sens of Janesville, and Jodi (Paul) Cahill of Janesville; grandchildren: Tyler (Jen) Burgess, Nick (Chelsey) Burgess, Garrett (Felicia) Burgess, Kyle Burgess, Kelsey (Don) Simmons and Lynsey, Nakita (Brycen) Kometani, and Cobra Coonrod, and Lillian Cahill; great grandchildren: Isabella, James, Ezra, Walter, Cobran, Bruce, Octavia, Willow, and Luka; sister-in-law, Pat (Russ) Johnson; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her daughter, AnneMarie Burgess.

Memorial Service will be 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Janesville United Methodist Church in Janesville with Pastor Kathy King, officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Private family interment will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Mankato.

In honor of Ethel, the family requests all who attend to wear your favorite Minnesota Twins Gear or the color blue.

Memorials are preferred to the Janesville Fire and Rescue Relief Association.