Jane Mary (Malecha) Pesta/Shriver, age 83, of Montgomery, MN, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.
Jane was born on March 26, 1943, in Northfield, MN, she was a twin daughter of Frank and Lillian (Valek) Malecha. Raised on the family farm in Little Chicago, she attended Rosary School and later graduated from Northfield High School.
Jane met Joseph Pesta and they were married on May 15, 1962, at Hazelwood Church in Hazelwood, Minnesota; alongside her twin sister. Joe and Jane settled in Shieldsville, where they began their life together. They later moved to rural Montgomery, where they continued their hobby farm life.
After Joe passed away in 2009, Jane married Thomas Shriver on March 10, 2012, at Most Holy Redeemer Church in Montgomery. They remained together until Thomas passed away in 2021.
Throughout her life, Jane worked in various positions, but especially enjoyed her 22 years at Herrman Drug in Montgomery. Above all, she took great pride in being a homemaker, supporting her husband, raising her family, and making sure those she loved were always well provided for.
Jane was rarely without a project and seemed to always find something that needed to be done. She carried the strong work ethic of her farm upbringing throughout her life, whether tending to her animals and waterfowl, keeping her yard immaculate, or fixing something herself - because there wasn’t much she wouldn’t try. She was also convinced that nothing should ever be thrown away. Someday, that very item was sure to come in handy. Her days were filled with tending her flower gardens, knitting, and making loom rugs, which she proudly sold at craft fairs.
Some of Jane’s fondest memories were made with family, from snowmobile trips to baking holiday cookies and treats, with her homemade caramels being her specialty. Her sisters held a special place in her life, and together they became known as the “Dynamic 5” - a name that perfectly suited their lively personalities and the adventures they went on. Camping trips, travels to Montana, Arizona, Wisconsin Dells, and countless other adventures brought years of laughter, stories, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting.
Jane’s faith was an important part of her life, and she found comfort and strength in her daily prayers. She was a longtime member of Most Holy Redeemer Church, where she faithfully served in many roles. She also enjoyed being involved in Minnesota Pheasants and Waterfowl groups and the local 4-H chapter, including judging at the Le Sueur County Fair.
There was no mistaking of Jane’s strong personality or determined spirit. She could be stern when she needed to be, but always with a loving heart behind it. She held her children to high standards because she believed in them, and she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with every ounce of her heart. Beneath that strong exterior was a tender heart, a quick wit, and a deep love for her family.
Jane will be lovingly remembered by her children, Gregory (Brandy) Pesta, Kenneth (Shay) Pesta, Deborah Swancutt, and Sarah Crosby; grandchildren, Kimberly (Justin) Purkerson, Kristen (Mitch) Perkins, Danielle (Joseph) Bach, Cody (Breanna) Pesta, Taylor Crosby, Carson Pesta, Dayna (Eric) Sedlacek, Miranda Crosby, Kaleb (Jordan) Pesta, and Dylan Swancutt ; great-grandchildren, Kailee, Jaelyn, Cam, Ayla, Wrenley, Stella, William, and Kendall; siblings, older sisters, Adeline Malecha and Sister Francette Malecha S.S.N.D., twin sister, Judy Voracek; brother, Francis “Butch” (Barb) Malecha; sisters-in-law, Rita Malecha, Mary Malecha, and Carol Malecha; in-laws, Don and Elaine Pesta, Roger Pesta, Bernie and Betty Smisek, along with many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lillian Malecha; husbands, Joseph and Thomas; sister, Dorothy (Joe) Pumper; brothers, Michael, David “Pete”, and Larry; and brothers-in-law, George Voracek, Joe Pumper and Raymond Malecha.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery, MN. Fr. Timothy Sandquist will officiate. Jane’s family will greet guests at a visitation held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery, MN, and one hour prior to the service. A private family burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Jane’s family, who will distribute them among the organizations that were especially meaningful to her.