Joanne Jansen

Joanne Marie Jansen, 75, of Kronenwetter passed away while resting comfortably at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on Tuesday August 8, 2017. Joanne was born November 3, 1941 to the late Peter and Leona (Pankow) Jelinek. She went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Thomas George Jansen, on June 8, 1963. Tom preceded her in death in December 2015. They were married for 52 years. Joanne devoted her life to her family, sacrificing all aspirations of a career, to make sure her husband and boys had a clean house, a hearty meal, and unending love, support and encouragement. Everyone that met Joanne was a better person because of it as she treated everyone with kindness and compassion. Most of the neighborhood kids even called her Mom. Her joy came from seeing the people closest to her happy. She inspired and encouraged her grandchildren along with the many other children that she cared for in her home throughout the years. Joanne was an avid bowler and loved watching sporting events with her family, especially the Packers, Brewers and Bucks games. Many of her favorite memories were of trips that she took with her family to watch the games. She also cherished the memories of family trips to Jamaica and Florida. Joanne is survived by her children David (Laurie) Jansen of Weston, Craig (Sonja) Jansen of Madison; four grandchildren: Toni, Kenna (Nick), Randi and Cassidy Jansen; three great grandchildren: Kenzington, Keaton and Travis; one brother Bob (Sue) Jelinek; three nephews: Mike (Mary) Stevens, Richard and Randy Jelinek, and one niece Kim Jelinek. Besides her husband, Tom, she was also preceded in death by her sister Judy (Jelinek) Stevens. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday August 17, 2017 at Brainard Funeral Home - Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. Rev. Wes Jedras will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:00 pm until the time of the services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joanne's honor to Jeremiah's Crossing. Jeremiah's Crossing is a therapeutic horseback riding ranch located in Babcock, Wisconsin, dedicated to helping horses help children with diagnosed physical, cognitive, emotional and academic special needs with no cost to the riders or their families. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for all the love and support they gave us during this difficult time.