Janet "Jan" Rice

Janet “Jan” Rice (nee Thomas), age 73, passed away on Thursday February 6, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. Jan was born in 1951 to Glen and Marcelena Thomas and grew up on a dairy farm near Muscoda. She graduated from Riverdale High School, Muscoda, in 1970 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She spent her entire nursing career in postpartum nursing beginning with several months at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee. For the rest of her 40-year career she was with St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison where she received the Daisy Award. This award recognizes a nurse for the extraordinarily compassionate care they provide. Nominations are submitted by patients, their family members or co-workers. She retired from St. Mary’s in 2014. 

Jan married Jerry Rice in 1975 and this October would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. They made their home in McFarland for most of their marriage. Jan is survived by her husband, Jerry, and two sons, Matthew (Whitney) and Andy (Amy). She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Mason, Samantha, Emily and Colin. She is also survived by her sister Marilyn Thomas (Jim Hilliard) of Lancaster, PA, her brother Mike Thomas (Teresa) and a sister-in-law Mary Johanning-Thomas, both of Muscoda, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Larry. 

Jan was one of the biggest football fans you could ever meet. She made it her mission to attend every football game that her boys played in at McFarland High School and later at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. She also followed them throughout their football coaching careers. Wherever football led them, Jan was sure to follow. She attended their games throughout Wisconsin including Watertown, Mt. Horeb, Sun Prairie, Waunakee and Eau Claire, and also South Dakota and Arizona. She led by example and her strong work ethic was an inspiration to others, especially her boys. 

They say, “Once a Badger, always a Badger.” Jan followed her Badgers to numerous Bowl games throughout the country and along with Jerry was a season ticket holder and part of a Badger tailgate group for over 15 years. Her first Rose Bowl trip was in 1999 with her sister Marilyn during the Ron Dayne and Barry Alvarez era. Jan faithfully attended Badger football games up until a few months ago. 

Jan enjoyed gardening and took pride in her house and yard. She loved to travel and always planned the annual family vacations. Jan was an avid golfer and achieved her bucket list item of golfing in all 50 states in 2021. Jan and Jerry were part of a bowling foursome for many years with friends Judy and Jerry, appropriately called the Four J’s. Jan never missed her grandchildren’s activities, whether it was soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, track or music concerts. She also enjoyed going to Brewer games with her dear friend Rosie. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5306 Main St. McFarland, WI with Fr. Chad Droessler presiding. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, February 10 at Cress Funeral Home, 5801 Hwy 51, McFarland, WI and also from 10:00 AM until the Mass at the church on Tuesday. 

In consideration of Jan’s love for Badger football, those attending the Visitation on Monday Feb. 10 are encouraged to wear their favorite sports apparel. The family would like to thank the staff of Brighton Hospice for their care & support. Memorials may be made to SSM Health St. Mary’s Foundation. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5801 Highway 51, P.O. Box 105, McFarland

(608) 838-0655

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com