Skip to main content

October 18, 2021

48 Years

Janet and her motorized cart, which she uses to make daily rounds throughout St. Cloud Hospital.

Janet Lammersensheets has had quite a career – one that spans 48 years working in the Sterile Processing Department at St. Cloud Hospital. To put this longevity into perspective, during her career there have been 10 different U.S presidents. And when she started, a gallon of gas cost about 50 cents and a postage stamp was 10 cents. “I remember my first job, I was so excited to be making $2.50 an hour!” she exclaimed. On Thursday, October 21, Janet will officially retire from a job that she’s loved.

Lammersensheets is an Equipment Attendant, where her role is to visit departments throughout the hospital and pick up instruments and equipment that need cleaning. What she’s enjoyed most over the years is the variety of her work. “I get to travel all throughout the hospital – from the family birthing center to the cath lab to the emergency and trauma center,” she said. “It’s just such a nice place to work.”

I get to travel all throughout the hospital – from the family birthing center to the cath lab to the emergency and trauma center.”

Janet Lammersensheets, Equipment Attendant, Sterile Processing

Given her decades of service to the department, it’s not surprising to hear she enjoys her work. But how did it all start?

Janet Lammersensheets’ high school graduation photo.

“I was a senior in high school at Apollo and I saw this job opportunity and thought, “I could do this job,” she explained. “I had three months of high school left, but I asked them if I could graduate early and start my career, and they said yes!”

From that moment, Janet was off and running. For much of her career, she spent time on foot using a cart to pick up the various instruments and equipment. “We used to drag that cart everywhere,” she said. Nowadays, she enjoys the comforts of an electric cart, which she describes as her way of ‘zooming’ around the hospital for about two hours each day.

Lammersensheets says she’s looking forward to relaxing and getting more sleep in retirement, which makes sense when you hear her daily routine.

Janet early in her career with her coworkers.

“I get up at 3 a.m. every day,” she explains. “My shift starts at 7 a.m., but I get to work early so I have time to exercise at the hospital gym, shower, and then meet up with my ‘coffee clutcher crew.’” Her coffee clutchers are long-time coworkers and friends Patty Platz, Gwen Sufka, and Alice Meemken. They meet for a cup of coffee in the break room to start each morning, which she describes as a nice way to start the day. Not only has she enjoyed her work and colleagues, but she’s made an impact that’s been felt throughout the hospital. “Janet is well known throughout the hospital as our ever-reliable equipment attendant,” said Vanessa Hoff, manager, Sterile Processing. “She’s so sweet and we are all going to miss her!”

34 comments

  1. Timm Vedder says:

    Thank you, Janet, for all you’ve done for us and for our little patients!
    Enjoy retirement and God Bless!

  2. Sandra says:

    Passing you in the halls was always a cheerful experience. I always knew a Hi, and a smile were coming my way when I saw your cheerful face coming my way. Thank you for your many years of faithful service.
    Thank You spreading cheer and happiness throughout the halls at St. Cloud Hospital.

  3. Karla Koenig says:

    Congratulations Janet!

  4. Kelly Nelsen says:

    I always enjoyed seeing your smiling face! I’ll miss you! Enjoy your well deserved retirement!

  5. Kristi Hughes says:

    Happy Retirement Janet!! Your definitely an inspiration… from your work ethic to your smile that brightens the halls, you will be missed by many! Congratulations!!

  6. Gwen Sufka says:

    Janet I hope you have a wonderful retirement! We will definitely miss you! Take care and rest easy.

  7. Mary Filzen says:

    forty-eight years!!!! WOW!!! Congratulations!!! it is inspiring just reading how highly you are thought of, admired, appreciated!!! Thank you for your dedication to your job!

  8. Pam Kippley says:

    Congratulations on your retirement Janet! I remember working in decontamination with you when I first started my career in the medical field in 1998. I couldn’t believe then that you had worked there for about 25 years. Now I’ve been with Centracare for 23 years. Two years of CPD and 21 years as a surgical tech. So thank you for the laughs and your bubbly personality.

  9. Linda Plamann says:

    Congrats Janet!!! I been here 33 yrs. and no matter when I see you your always smiling and say hello. Keep smiling through your next journey in life. Enjoy sleeping in.

  10. Norma Plafcan says:

    Jan, I haven’t known you for that long so I loved reading your story! Thanks for being such a friendly and outgoing person otherwise I probably wouldn’t have gotten to know you at all. Congrats on retirement!

  11. Tiffany Tangen says:

    Congrats Janet! I am going to miss your smile and your hard work ethic! Thank you for being part of our Birth Center team over the years! You definitely showed pride in your work and we wish you well on your retirement! Now you can take a nap:)

  12. Julie says:

    Janet, it has been a pleasure getting to know. You are always in a good mood. It won’t be the same without you in the gym. Enjoy your retirement.

  13. Jenny D says:

    Congrats on your retirement Janet!! You will be missed!!

  14. Linda Ertl says:

    Congratulations Janet, Now who am I going to tease? I’ve been here
    40 1/2 years and I’d say I’ve known you for 40 years for sure. It’s been fun, now go enjoy the next chapter in your life, just don’t forget about us poor folks that still have to work. Take care and hopefully our paths will meet again.

  15. Janet Haag says:

    Congratulations Jan!!!! Wow – 48 years?!?! I am so happy for you but I am sure going to miss your smiling face and our chats!!! You will be missed by many. I hope you really enjoy R E T I R E M E N T!!! 🥳❤️

  16. Wendy Udermann says:

    I will miss visiting with you in the lab. May you have a fun and bright new chapter ahead of you🙂 Happy Retirement!

  17. Paulette Weleski says:

    Congrats on you retirement and I commend you on your years of service! Your smile and positive attitude will be missed!

  18. Jean Albright says:

    Congratulations Janet!! Enjoy every minute of your retirement as you deserve it !!

  19. Kayleigh McGinnis says:

    Congratulations Janet! Your smile and upbeat nature will be missed. Enjoy your retirement!

  20. Larr Asplin says:

    Janet, you have been our “breath of fresh air” each and every day through your smiles, personal and hearfelt greetings, and your positive approach in life. You will be missed for sure, and we honor and thank you for these many years of service! Happy retirement!

  21. Deb DeVriendt says:

    Congratulations Janet! Blessings to you on your new path. You are an inspiration to all!

  22. Tammy Filippi says:

    I absolutely LOVE your beautiful smile and your commitment to excellence. We have been so lucky to have you! Happy Retirement!

  23. Phil Luitjens says:

    Congratulations on your retirement Janet! Thank you for your many years of selfless service to SPD. I have so appreciated your warm and welcoming smile when we meet- it’s enough to brighten anyone’s day!

  24. Michelle Lammers says:

    Congratulations!! What a dedicated employee, enjoy retirement.

  25. Julie Grams says:

    Congratulations Jan! I hope you enjoy your retirement. You were one of the first people I met when I started at SCH in the late 70’s. You were always very kind and helpful. I will miss your smile and saying hello in the hallways of SCH.

  26. Marion Philippi says:

    Congratulations Janet! Enjoy your retirement

  27. Rachel Diederich says:

    Janet I miss seeing you in the hallways after my department moved. You are always in a great mood.

  28. Nicky Lahr says:

    Congratulations Janet-I do not think I ever saw you without a smile at the hospital. Enjoy your retirement!

  29. Angie Gill says:

    Janet, Was always nice to chat with you when you made your rounds. I know you will be missed. Enjoy your retirement!

  30. Diane Kirchner says:

    I have been privileged to work with Janet for 32 years of her 48. I have learned so much from Janet. I will miss her smile and giggle the most of all. I wish the best for Janet as she deserves every minute of retirement. Congratulations Janet!! Diane Kirchner (Gabrielson)

  31. Mary Welle says:

    congratulations Janet

  32. Kim Peterson says:

    Loved seeing Janet in the elevators and hallways. She always had a smile and a friendly hello! We will miss you Janet.

  33. Nancy Stewart says:

    Good Luck in your retirement Janet. You so deserve this. You have been a mentor, trainer and amazing co-worker. You give 110% all day and everyday. We at SCH have been so blessed to have you by our side each and everyday. Keep smiling and enjoy your next Journey Janet….you will be missed!!

  34. Sandy Klaphake says:

    What a wonderful career you have had! I am very impressed with your dedication and such a great love for your job. Good for you. Enjoy your retirement.

Leave a comment

A valid CentraCare.com or CarrisHealth.com email address is required to post a comment. Your email address will not be shared publicly.