Janet Ceplecha

Janet M. Ceplecha, age 90, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at St. Gertrude’s in Shakopee. Janet was born on September 11, 1932 in Wheatland Township, Rice County, MN to Edward J. and Julia M. (Malecha) Novak. She grew up in the Veseli area, attending country school and then graduated from New Prague High School. She married John F. Ceplecha on October 13, 1951 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli. Janet was dedicated to her family and raising her 3 children and also worked as a cook for New Prague Public Schools for many years. She was a member of the Altar Society at Most Holy Trinity in her younger years. Janet was an avid bowler and belonged to Women’s Leagues. She also enjoyed traveling with John, with many fishing trips up north and traveling with friends to the states of Tennessee and Wyoming. After John’s death, she continued to travel and those destinations took her farther afield to Alaska and the Czech Republic. Janet’s gardens were always enviable, showcasing her green thumb! In her quiet times, she enjoyed crossword puzzles and word games.

Janet is survived by her children, Roxanne Vanasek of New Prague, John Ceplecha of Raleigh, NC, Patty Ceplecha (Curt Gold) of Montgomery; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, John on October 24, 2000; parents; brothers, Jerome, Leonard, and Francis Novak.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Monday, June 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home with Father John Lapensky officiating. A 2-hour visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9-11 AM. Burial will occur following the service at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in New Prague, followed by lunch at The Depot.