Jana Marie “Pooh Bear” Eide passed away on July 29, 2024. Jana was born Febuary 2, 1970, in Spring Valley, Minn., attended Mabel-Canton Elementary school and lived on a dairy farm. She moved to Rochester and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1992. She lived in Hiawatha Homes for 30 years, in the 24th Street house and the Middlebrook house. Two years ago, she moved to Cottagewood Memory Care.
Jana is survived by Aunt Janice Eide, “Auntie Jan” of Rochester; siblings Kim (Steve) White of Kasson, Kelly (Lary) Klein of Rochester, Kevin (Linda) of Spangdahlen, Germany, and Tammy (Mark) Green of Indianapolis, Ind.; nieces Hillary Seltun, Sara Gebert, Denyel Eide and Nina Brown; nephews Chris Hanson, Tym Hanson and Kyle Eide; and several great-nieces and nephews.
Jana was preceded in death by parents Marcia and Jeryl Eide of Rochester, paternal grandparents James and Helen Eide of Newburg, Minn., and maternal grandparents Artilla and Frederick Erickson of Akeley, Minn., as well as friends from Hiawatha Paul and John.
Although Jana had special needs, Jana enjoyed coloring, finding books, watching “Little House on the Prairie,” and Bingo. She would call Bingo even if she did not have it to get the prize! Jana had an infectious smile and loved to connect with people and be teased. She loved M&M’s, Pepsi, Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, going on car rides, swinging in the park, riding her scooter, listening to country music, and talking on the phone and the CB radio. She loved to go out for lunch, especially for a cheeseburger and French fries.
Jana participated in the Special Olympics and attended Camp Winnebago, Camp Courage, and several Hiawatha Homes events throughout the years. She loved to go camping, was a Sunday School teacher’s helper, and worked at Possibilities and ABC until her retirement.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Newburg Methodist Church Cemetery in Mabel, Minn.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Eide family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.