Janet Louise Blankush, age 72, of Bloomington, MN, passed away peacefully on May 12th, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Jan was born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota where she attended Denfeld High School before earning her nursing degree from The College of St. Scholastica. Nursing was more than a career to Jan – it was a calling. She was particularly passionate about research work and dedicated the majority of her professional life to that field, bringing intelligence, determination, and compassion to countless patients and colleagues. 

Jan married John Blankush on August 21st, 1976. Together they built a life centered around family, loyalty and deep friendships. 

Jan was someone you never had to wonder about – she was strong in her convictions, honest in what she thought and said, and unwavering in the things and people she believed in. At the same time, she was one of the most generous people anyone could ever encounter and was always willing to do anything for those she loved. 

After the passing of her husband in 2009, Jan poured her heart into her children and grandchildren. She rarely missed a game, activity or opportunity to show up for her people. Her presence was steady, supportive and fiercely devoted. 

She also treasured the lifelong friendships she shared with the group affectionately known as “the gang” – friends who had been by her side since high school, and for some, even elementary and middle school. Those friendships remained one of the greatest constants and joys of her life. 

Jan was preceded in death by her husband John Blankush; her parents, Warne and Vera Shisler. She is survived by her son, Joe Blankush and his wife, Johanna; her daughter, Jess Baebenroth and her husband Andrew; her grandchildren Eli, Nolan, Ren and Lily; her brother Marv Shisler; “the gang”; as well as extended family members and an incredible circle of friends she gathered throughout her life. 

Jan will be remembered as an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and friend whose strength, loyalty, generosity, and love left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. 

A service will be held in her honor at The Cremation Society of Minnesota, Minneapolis Chapel, 4343 Nicollet Avenue South in Minneapolis, MN on Friday, May 29th. Visitation will begin at 12:00pm followed by a service at 1:00pm. This will be followed by a gathering at Pryes Brewery, 1401 West River Rd N in Minneapolis at 4:30pm.