Malena "Molly" Jahn

Molly was born in Austin, MN to Neva (Thompson) and Hervey Knutzen. She lived in Montevideo, MN and later in Granite Falls, MN. Molly was confirmed at Granite Falls Lutheran Church in 1957. The family then moved to Sauk Rapids, MN, where she graduated from Sauk Rapids High School in 1960. She attended St. Cloud State College. It was in Sauk Rapids where she met Bernard (Bernie) Jahn, and they married in 1961. Molly and Bernie moved to Downey, California, then returned to Minnesota in 1964. They lived in White Bear Lake, MN and Corcoran, MN, where they resided until 2020, and then moved to Granite Falls.

Molly was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She and Bernie had 5 children and 9 grandchildren, with one great-grandson on the way. She was full of love, hugs, and always said “I love you.” Molly purposely developed relationships and tried to attend every game, concert, musical, recital, and dance performance.

Molly’s faith was an important part of her life. She loved the Lord and always took the opportunity to share her faith with others. She enjoyed singing in the choir and worship team, participated in church musicals, and served as a Stephen’s minister, a Sunday school teacher, and a children’s program volunteer for MOPS, and volunteered on many committees.

She was a homemaker, dietary manager, special-education paraprofessional, and also a team representative at Lutheran Youth Encounter. 

Molly was also a member of the Collings School of Fine Arts, in Brooklyn Park, MN where she acted in over 30 melodramas. She was known for her broad range of singing and great comedic style. She loved singing and music and would often break into impromptu renditions of songs. Molly was also a very talented painter, and loved to paint, especially watercolors.

Molly is survived by her husband Bernie, children Peter (Leanne) Jahn, Christine (Todd) Wenck, Andrea (Jeremy) Durst, Steven (Kim) Jahn, and Morgana Hasil, as well as grandchildren Zachary and Aaron Jahn, Micah (Emily), Caleb, Josiah, and Noah Wenck, Lily Durst, and Nora and Owen Jahn. She is also survived by siblings Walter (Pat) Knutzen and Marge Burns, and brothers-in-law Mike (Mary) Jahn and David Jahn, and sister-in-law Mary Nell Jahn. She was preceded in death by father and mother, Hervey and Neva Knutzen, father-in-law and mother-in law, Beno and Nyla Jahn, brother-in-law, Phillip Burns, and sister-in-law, Gail Jahn.

Malena Jahn, of Granite Falls, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2022 at CentraCare-St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN at the age of 80.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Molly’s life on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Granite Falls Lutheran Church, located at 350 Ninth Ave, Granite Falls, MN 56241. A viewing will be at 12:00 pm, followed by her funeral at 1:00 pm.

Arrangements are with Anderson – TeBeest Funeral Home of Granite Falls. www.andersontebeest.com