Jan M. Walchak

Jan M. Walchak, age 45, of Rochester and Winona, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital – Methodist Campus in Rochester, after a brief battle with cancer.

Born on June 8, 1980, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Jan was the daughter of Thomas and Cherie (Ryder) Walchak. She graduated from Winona Senior High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in communications from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Jan dedicated twenty years of her career to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, serving in various roles throughout her tenure. Her passion for the outdoors was well known, as she enjoyed downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking the trails around Winona and Rochester. Jan also cherished many hours spent on the Mississippi River boating and water skiing.

A proud alumna, she was a devoted fan of the West Virginia Buccaneers and treasured the close friendships she maintained with her college classmates.

Jan is lovingly remembered and survived by her parents, Tom and Cherie; her brother, Ryan; her aunts, Carol Ryder and Kay Lettner; her uncle, Glynn Ryder; along with cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Visitation will take place at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 East Sarnia Street, Winona, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. until the funeral service at 1 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Following the burial, family and friends are invited to a luncheon and reception at the funeral home.

Jan’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staffs of the Mayo Clinic and the Mayo Clinic Hospital for the excellent and loving care that she received.

Those wishing to share condolences or memories may do so online at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.