Janet Spencer

Cottage Grove - Janet "Jan" Spencer, age 72 passed away with her loving family by her side on February 13, 2015 following a brief and courageous battle with CJD. She was born December 22, 1942 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Walter and Esther (Kaliebe) Klippel. On May 11, 1963 Jan was united in marriage to James "Jim" Spencer at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. For over 30 years, Jan worked in circulation for various newspaper companies. Jan had a love and passion for her dogs, where she began field trialing her Irish setters. This led her to the purchase of her true passion; a horse. Jan began her horseshow career in the mid 80's, where she continued to show through this past summer. Being an advocate for horses, led her to serving as vice president and later on the board for the Wisconsin Horse Council. She also served as past president for the Wisconsin Walking Horse Association.
Jan thoroughly enjoyed fly fishing and time away at her parent's cabin on Anderson Lake. Most of all she cherished the time she spent with her family and the summer trips they had taken. No matter how busy she got, she always made time for her family, especially her grandsons. Jan's kind heart and contagious smile will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Jan is survived by her husband of 51 years; Jim, two daughters; Christy (Derek)Bemis and Cherrie (Mary) Spencer, two grandsons; Spencer and Nicholas. She is also survived by many other loving family and a multitude friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of Jan's life will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison on Friday, February 20, 2015 at 3:00pm. A time to gather will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 1:00 pm until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to help support Jan's passion of horses to the Wisconsin Horse Council Scholarship Fund.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the UW Neurology Team and the doctors and staff at the Nazareth House and Agrace Hospice for their care, service and compassion given to Jan and our family during this difficult time.
Cress Funeral Home
3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison
608-249-6666