Jeannette Marjorie Hight Mohs passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026.

Born on May 11, 1939, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jeannette—known to family and friends as Jan—was the daughter of Jeannette and Maxwell Hight. Her father served for many years as Financial Director and investment counselor to the Mayo Foundation. Jan and her sisters, Carolyn Treichel and Barbara Hight-Randall, grew up in Byron and Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by a close-knit family that nurtured her lifelong curiosity and creativity.

Jan graduated from Rochester High School in 1957, where she delighted in participating in class plays, especially portraying memorable character roles that reflected her sense of humor and expressive spirit.

She continued her education in nursing at the University of Minnesota and later the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It was during her years in Madison that a chance meeting changed the course of her life. While visiting her parents at the Ivy Inn on University Avenue—one of the few places in Madison with a color television at the time—a handsome young man named Bruce Mohs stopped to ask for her identification. Bruce's family owned the Ivy Inn, and what began as a lighthearted encounter became the beginning of a beautiful love story.

Jan and Bruce were married on June 22, 1963, in Rochester, Minnesota, and built a life together in Madison, Wisconsin, where they lovingly raised their three children: Julia, Eric, and Kathryn.

Before her marriage, Jan worked for the Dayton's in Minneapolis as the sales leader for corporate gifts. Also, she and Bruce shared a passion for aviation, and Jan earned her pilot's license so they could enjoy flying together. One of their earliest dates was unforgettable—Bruce flew his airplane to Rochester to pick her up.

Creativity was woven into every part of Jan's life. A gifted artist and accomplished craftswoman, she studied watercolor painting at the Norman Rockwell School of Art and earned the prestigious Master Craftsman Award in crewel embroidery from the Embroiderers' Guild of America. She especially loved designing her own patterns, selecting the perfect colors, and transforming thread and fabric into works of art. Sewing, watercolor painting, and even woodcarving became joyful expressions of her remarkable talent. Her work reflected extraordinary patience, precision, and quiet artistry. She continued creating beautiful embroidery until she was no longer physically able to do so.

Above all, Jan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She found her greatest joy in the people she loved and leaves behind a legacy of creativity, perseverance, and gentle strength.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Julia Mohs and Kathryn Mohs (Omar Lopez); her grandson, Micah; her sister, Barbara Hight-Randall; along with many cherished relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bruce; her son, Eric Mohs; and her sister, Carolyn Treichel.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jeannette's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association – Wisconsin Chapter.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Rd     Madison

608-238-3434