Joanne Janz

MIDDLETON/Milton/Greenfield/Wisconsin Rapids JoAnne Janz passed away on December 11, 2017, in Middleton, WI. Though a long journey of Alzheimer's Disease brings her story to its end, JoAnne was grateful for 78 remarkably healthy and happy years finding reasons to smile everyday. JoAnne was born in Wisconsin Rapids, the eldest of three daughters. Heartbreak followed just 9 years later when JoAnne's father contracted Polio and died. Prayers were answered when her mother married Roland, and this kind and gentle man adopted JoAnne and her sisters going on to celebrate decades of family milestones. JoAnne graduated from Lincoln High School and Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee. On a gorgeous fall day, JoAnne married David Janz in Wisconsin Rapids. Together they raised their two children, Brian and Barbara, in Greenfield, WI. JoAnne worked for more than 30 years for the School District of Greenfield as a teacher's aid, head middle school secretary, and assistant to the district's business manager.

An accomplished pianist, JoAnne loved movies, dancing, music of all kinds, and attending musicals and concerts (especially those featuring her own children and grandchildren) and relished time with her husband, family, and her adored Shih Tzu. Travel around the US and to Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France while spending time with family filled her diary with memories to cherish. Boating and camping led to retirement years spent making good friends on the shores of Lake Koshkonong. Besides feeding those she loved and cradling them in her arms, she wrapped them in many beautifully hand-knitted afghans, scarves, and more--many times donating her hand-crafted items to hospitals. JoAnne was quick with her beautiful smile, her easy laugh, and her sometimes-sassy sense of humor. The party began when JoAnne arrived, and her grandkids quickly learned that fun was in motion when Grandma Jo was holding their hands.

JoAnne is survived by her lovingly devoted husband of 58 years, David, who didn't leave her side even when her cherished memories did. She is further survived by those who filled her world with wonder and joy, their children and grandchildren: son, Brian (the late, Lisa) Janz of Memphis, TN; daughter, Barbara (Richard) Schramm of Middleton; grandchildren, Brianna Janz (Abraham) Farhat of Omaha, NE; Cameron and Addison Janz of Memphis, TN; Evan Schramm of Middleton; and Andrew Schramm of New York, NY. JoAnne was grateful for beloved sisters, Karen (the late, David) Vallin of Tampa, FL, and Marilyn (Ronald) Jevnick of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, dear sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Lawrence) Graff of Menomonee Falls; Luetta (the late, James) Hartz of Mosinee; and Mary (the late, Les) Janz of Olympia, WA; Judith (the late, Alfred) Janz and brother-in-law, Gary (Danelle) Janz, all of Mosinee; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
JoAnne is also preceded in death by her parents, Gordon, Marion, and Roland; parents-in-law, Alfred and Bertha; and brother-in-law, Norman.
The family wishes to thank Heartland Hospice for their professionalism, comfort, and kindness and the compassionate caregivers of Artisan Senior Living and Memory Care in Middleton.

A visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:30 AM on December 16, 2017, at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705. Should you wish to do so, memorials may be made in JoAnne's name to the Alzheimer and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, 517 N. Segoe Road #301, Madison, Wisconsin 53705 or online at www.alzwisc.org . Please share a memory of JoAnne.

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406