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Jan found her greatest joy in her family.

Jan Lynn Sheady (Gustafson), age 63, passed away peacefully at her home in Lake Shore, Minnesota, on August 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Jan was born on February 25, 1963, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Glen and Marilyn Gustafson. She was preceded in death by her parents, who instilled in her the values of kindness, faith, hard work, and love for family that would guide her throughout her life.

In 1972, Jan’s family moved to Brainerd, Minnesota, where she grew up and formed many lifelong friendships. She attended St. Cloud State University, where she met the love of her life, Michael (Mike) Sheady, in 1982. After Jan graduated with a degree in elementary education in 1986, they began building a beautiful life together.

In 1987, Jan and Mike made their home in Lakeville, where they raised their two children, Kelsey and Patrick. Jan devoted her professional life to teaching second grade in the Lakeville School District, where she spent many years nurturing young minds with patience, compassion, and enthusiasm.

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She cherished every opportunity to be with her children and especially her six grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life.

Jan found her greatest joy in her family. She cherished every opportunity to be with her children and especially her six grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life. She loved traveling with Mike, spending summers at the family cabin on Lake Hubert, preparing meals for those she loved, curling up with a good book, and making memories with family and friends.

Her unwavering faith was the foundation of her life and was evident in the kindness, grace, and generosity she shared with everyone she met.

Jan is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Sheady; her daughter, Kelsey (Adam) Hopps, and their children, Claire, Cora, Connor, and Caroline; her son, Patrick (Shannon) Sheady, and their children, Finley and Kellen; her brothers, Michael (Melanie) Gustafson and Brian (Kaylo Brooks); her sister, Anne Gustafson; and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends, former students, and colleagues who will forever cherish her memory.

Jan will be remembered for her gentle spirit, warm smile, steadfast faith, generous heart, and unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and love that will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to Mass at the church and to stay for food and fellowship following the service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Brainerd Food Shelf or Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen would be appreciated. The family also encourages those wishing to honor Jan’s memory to perform an act of kindness for another—a fitting tribute to the generous and caring way Jan lived her life.