In Memory of Janne Eller-Isaacs (1953-2024)

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs who died 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 survived by her son Jonah; daughters: Jessie (Andy), and Hannah (Tim); grandchildren: Lewis, Mira, Levi, and Benjamin; brothers: David (Abby), Jim (Jeannie), John (Margy) as well as her beloved nephews and a niece. She was preceded in death by her husband Rob (2022).

Two memorial services are being planned. One on April 27, 2024 (time TBA) at the First Unitarian Portland, 1211 SW Main St. Portland, OR 97205; and the other at Unity Church-Unitarian, 733 Portland Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 at 3 pm on May 11, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Unity Church- Unitarian and the UUMA.

Notes of condolences may be sent to Hannah Franco-Isaacs, 4770 NE Going St, Portland, OR 97218.

A more complete obituary will follow.