It is with great sorrow that we recognize the passing of the Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Janne graduated from Starr King School for the Ministry in 1986 and received an honorary Sacrae Theologiae Doctor in 2006. Upon graduating, Janne joined her husband, the Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs (also a Starr King grad), in serving as co-ministers of the First Unitarian Church of Oakland. They served FUCO for 14 years before moving to Unity Church, Unitarian in St. Paul, Minnesota where she and Rob served as co-ministers for another 22 years.
Throughout her career, Janne was a fierce and loving mentor and teacher as well as a pastor; more than one Starr King student had the opportunity to work with and learn from her. She also excelled as a minister to ministers, extending her gifts to many UUA projects including the now-retired Dreaming Big program for aspiring leaders of large UU congregations and other institutions.
Janne is preceded in death by her husband, Rob (2022), and survived by her three children Jonah, Jessie, and Hannah as well as four grandchildren. Janne will be greatly missed; her legacy lives on in the lives and ministries of those whose life she touched.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 11 at 3:00 pm CT at Unity Church – Unitarian in Saint Paul, MN.
