Genevieve “Gen” A. Jansen, 77, St. Cloud

January 2, 1938 - March 9, 2015

Genevieve “Gen” Ann Jansen, age 77, St. Cloud, MN, died peacefully Monday, March 9, 2015 at her home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 13, 2015 at 10:30 AM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, St. Cloud, MN. Visitation will be Thursday, March 12, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Assumption Cemetery, St. Cloud, MN.

Gen was born January 2, 1938 in Paynesville, MN to Anton and Agnes (Diederich) Harren. She married Raymond Jansen on July 20, 1960 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rice, MN. Gen was a substitute teacher and coached at area schools. She was an artist of many mediums, but her true calling was woodcarving; she authored several books and taught many classes. Gen was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, the Central Minnesota Woodcarvers Association and a former co-owner of the Downtown Arts Co-op. She enjoyed biking, cross country skiing, reading, sewing and traveling with her grandchildren. Gen led a very active lifestyle.

Survivors include her husband, Ray of St. Cloud; children, Janet (Dave) Jansen-Knoblach of Olympia, WA; Joyce (John) Lynch of St. Cloud, MN; Jill (Jim) Zanardi of St. Cloud, MN; Jody (Jim) Studniski of Aitkin, MN; Col. Jayne Jansen of Ankeny, IA; Dave (Dawn) Jansen of Sartell, MN; Diane Jansen-Marana of St. Cloud, MN; Dan (Carol) Jansen of St. Joseph, MN; brother, Virgil (Mary) Harren of Sartell; sister, Millie Huberty of St. Cloud, MN; 20 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Jim, Donald and Dan Harren.