Janet Cyrilla Hench

Janet Cyrilla (Frodl) Hench of Bandera, Texas, formerly of Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, while visiting family in Minnesota. Her passing on that day also marked her 54th wedding anniversary to her loving husband Richard. She was at her brother’s home on the family farm where she was born and raised, comforted by the presence of loved ones and the place she always called home.

Born on December 9, 1943, she was the daughter of John and Cyrilla (Evans) Frodl. Raised on the family farm in rural Waterville, Minnesota, Janet spent her school years in Waterville, attending local schools from elementary through high school and graduating from Waterville High School. Janet attended Mankato State University, where she studied Home Economics and earned her bachelor's degree. While attending Mankato State University, Janet met Richard Hench. Their friendship grew over the next eleven years before they were married on June 17, 1972, at the Newman Center in Mankato. Janet and Richard began their life together in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, before settling in Albert Lea, Minnesota, where they raised their family. In recent years, they enjoyed making their home in Bandera, Texas, where they lived for the past five years.

Janet began her career as a Home Economist with Minnesota Fabrics. After she and Richard welcomed their children, she chose to stay home and focus on raising her family. Later, as her children grew older, she returned to work and enjoyed many years in the fabric department at Walmart, sharing her knowledge and passion for sewing with customers and coworkers alike. Janet was a gifted seamstress with a remarkable talent for creating beautiful garments and projects. There seemed to be nothing she couldn't make with her beloved sewing machine. Her skill was perhaps best demonstrated when she designed and sewed all of the attire for her wedding day—26 outfits in total. Her extraordinary craftsmanship drew the attention of the Minneapolis Star and Tribune, which featured a story highlighting her designs.

Janet deeply loved her family and took great joy in being a grandmother. She was thoughtful and consistent in remembering every birthday and special occasion, never letting a moment pass unnoticed. She also cherished time spent with her close circle of friends, especially during their outings together.

At home, Janet found peace in tending to her plants. Among her favorites was a Christmas cactus that she nurtured through generations. While Richard tended the garden, she thoroughly enjoyed the harvest it produced each year. Fresh vegetables from the garden were a favorite, especially the peas, which were often eaten before they ever reached the kitchen table. The first batch of green beans, without fail, each season were also known for being a little overcooked—a lighthearted family tradition that brought laughter and became one of many cherished memories shared through the years.

Janet and Richard’s home was always filled with warmth, their door never truly closed to anyone in need of comfort or company. Over the years, they opened their hearts and home to more and more guests, each year the holidays became a beautiful gathering of all those they had welcomed into their lives.

Janet will be remembered for her kind and generous heart, always willing to share with others, her love of Christmas and the joy she took in setting up her Christmas village each year, and her devotion to Diet Coke. Her family will also fondly remember that while she happily shared almost everything, her crispy bacon was always off limits.

Janet will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Richard of 54 years; her children, Tammy (Bryan) Rakowitz of Robstown, TX, Brian (Cristina) Hench of Constana, Romania, Michael Hench of Sioux Falls, SD, and Sean (Kristen) Hench of Apple Valley, MN; grandchildren, Katherine Cyrilla and John Rakowitz, Patricia, Stephanie, Janet, Kimberly, and Brian Hench, and Isaac, Alyssa, and Carter Hench; brother, Gerald (Georgann) Frodl; brothers-in-law, Rod (Mary) Hench and Larry Miller; along with many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Betty (Bill) Molva and Rosmary Miller.

A Mass of Chirstian Burial will be held in Bandera, TX at a later date.