Janet A. Trader, a woman of profound resilience, intelligence and service, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026 at Skaalen Nursing and Rehabilitation, Stoughton, WI. Born on March 31, 1930, in Baker, Montana, Janet was the daughter of the late John and Mabel (Hankins) Deady.

From the age of 4, Janet lived with her family in rural Gordon, WI. She earned her degree as a registered nurse from Columbia Hospital in Milwaukee, WI.

Janet married Melvin Raymond Trader, in Elkhorn, WI. on September 9, 1951, the day after nursing school graduation (nursing school students could not be married at that time). They shared 56 years of loving partnership until Melvin’s passing on August 18, 2007. She filled her life raising their children, working the third shift as an OB/GYN nurse, maintaining a garden and preserving the produce, and volunteering as a 4-H leader in the gardening, knitting, and crocheting projects. An expert in crochet, she made intricate tablecloths for each of her children and blankets for the grandkids. She appreciated a good poem and was a skilled map reader with an uncanny sense of direction, a resourceful and willing contributor to her community, and a good neighbor. Janet was dedicated to her faith and was a long-time member of the Spring Prairie United Methodist Church, serving many years as treasurer.

Janet’s greatest pride was her family. She and Melvin made sure that each of their children had the opportunity to play a musical instrument, benefit from 4-H membership, and attend college, reflective of the values they shared. She is survived by her five children, who carry forward her lessons of kindness and perseverance: Rodger Trader, Pamela Parsons (Roger), Barbara Trader (Mark Gregory), Sandra Coplien (Louis Huskey) and Douglas Trader (Jacqueline); grandchildren: Robert Trader, Wendy Parsons (Brent Warner), Tony Parsons (Heather), Stacey Miller (Rob), Erin Holland (Tyler Wilcox), Chris Coplien (Meredith), Lorelei Coplien (Alex Brunello), Andrew Coplien, Brian, Dan, Nolan and Meghan Trader; great-grandchildren: Derrick Parsons (Eleanor), Wyatt and Rowen Parsons, Lukas Parsons, Henry and Owen Miller, Adam and Christian Coplien, Alexander Brunello, Jr., and Zackary Coplien. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sister Jean Schaefer, brother Jack Deady and daughter-in-law Catherine Trader.

Janet’s family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Heritage Center 2, Garden Glen at Skaalen and Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Janet will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Melvin, at Hickory Grove Cemetery, Walworth County, WI.

Memorial donations in Janet’s name will go to the East Troy Historical Society where she volunteered for many years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details will be announced by the family when finalized.