Janet M. Utschig, age 92, beloved wife, dearly loved mother, adored grandmother and tender-hearted great grandmother, passed away peacefully with her family lovingly by her side on Monday, October 3rd at Cherry Meadows Hospice, Appleton, Wisconsin.

Janet was preceded in death, only 9 months prior, by her husband, Donald E. Utschig, who was "the love of her life". They had an old-fashioned love story. At age 13, Jan met Don at church camp, where she developed a crush on him the moment they met. Years passed before they saw one another again at North Central College, Naperville, Illinois. Still more years passed, when military service called upon Don to serve his country, before they could finally be married on June 13th, 1953. They had recently celebrated 68 years of marriage.

Janet was born an only child on December 13th, 1929, in Brodhead, Wisconsin, to devoted and loving parents, John and Esther (Petersen) Lederman. She had an idyllic childhood, being raised on a picturesque, quintessential family farm. During this time on the farm, she learned and acquired many skills that she would use throughout her lifetime. When Janet was only 8 years old, she learned to drive a tractor which set the wheels in motion for her to be an outstanding driver. She learned to tend a garden which fostered her passion for having vegetable and flower gardens. She was taught how to prepare food and preserve fruits and vegetables which led to a lifetime of feeding her family and friends delicious meals. She mastered sewing and knitting which meant she created beautiful dresses and sweaters for her daughters. Jan's hands were never idle. She was always lovingly creating for others.

After Janet finished Brodhead High School, she attended North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She graduated with a degree in Music and Secondary Education. For 2 years following graduation, she taught 3rd grade in the morning and music education in the afternoon in the town of Poplar Grove, Illinois. Later in life, she obtained her real estate broker license to assist her husband with their various business enterprises.

Music underscored Janet's entire life story. At age 3, she started singing religious solos for the congregation of her family's church and at age 12 she was playing the organ at Sunday services for that same congregation. When Janet was in college, she sang the Madam Butterfly Aria for her college dissertation and was asked to perform that same aria for her college graduation. For decades, she was asked to sing at hundreds of weddings and funerals. Her children will proudly remember her singing every Sunday in the church choir. She recently remarked that her only break from her busy, active family would be the Wednesday night choir practice and the subsequent Sunday service when she would sit with the choir rather than with her family who would be sitting in the church pew.

Jan's proudest accomplishment was showering her family with endless love and support. She treasured her family and cherished providing a beautiful, caring home life. The home she created was a sanctuary where everyone was welcomed. She could provide a delicious home cooked meal for one person or a crowd at any time whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner. Most importantly, she would drop everything to engage in heartfelt conversations where she would ask thought-provoking questions, share concerns, offer measured advice and rejoice with pride in everyone's accomplishments. She was also passionate about attending her family's extracurricular activities which were innumerable considering she had 5 children, 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. We all knew she was our most ardent cheerleader. Jan missed her calling as an event planner. She completely enjoyed planning, preparing and hosting elaborate celebrations, with her family being at the forefront of these celebrations, such as grand holiday parties every Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, 4th of July and birthdays.

As Jan and Don were building their life together, they made time for their hobbies. Our mother loved to shop and travel which she combined with skill as our parents circled the globe visiting places like China, Venezuela, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and most of the countries of Europe. They were outstanding dancers and members of the Valley Dance Club where the floor would clear to watch them when they danced to their favorite song 'Sentimental Journey'. Jan was an excellent bridge player who enjoyed being a member of Butte Des Mort Country Club for the bridge leagues rather than the golf leagues.

Jan was a lifelong packer fan. She cheered on every player who wore the green & gold, but she recently had the opportunity, at her granddaughter's wedding, to meet and chat with her all-time favorite packer player, Mason Crosby.

Jan made time to give back to the community through various philanthropic endeavors. One of her favorite organizations was the Genevieve Paulson Circle of Kings Daughters through which she would participate in delivering meals for the Meals on Wheels program. If so inclined, remembrances honoring Jan will be donated to the Outagamie County Home Delivered Meal Service through the Outagamie County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC).

Janet is survived by her 5 children: Jamela (Gregg) Voigt, Kohler, WI; Donna ( special friend Jeff Welhouse) Utschig, Kewanee, WI; TJ (Kim) Utschig, Winneconne, WI; Linda (Brett) Robertson, Appleton, WI; Deborah (partner Jay Plamann) Gorman, Appleton, WI: 7 grandchildren: Autumn (Richard) Steif, Kaukauna, WI; TJ Jr (Veronica) Utschig, Greenville, WI; Dustin (Bridget) Utschig, Greenville, WI; Lindsey (Jon) Dudzinski, Plymouth, WI; Jonathan Hunt, Milwaukee, WI; Andrea (Andrew) Minkley, Phoenix, AZ; Richard Allen (fiancée Emma Doe) Gorman, Tampa, FL: 11 great grandchildren: Annessa, Elaina and Josephine Steif; Tristan and Vianca Utschig; Ezra, Malachi, Isley and Isaac Utschig; Laela and Ivy Doe-Gorman: sister-in-law; Sandra (Robert) Bradshaw; nephew Greg (Kris) Bradshaw; niece; Kristen (Lance) Huber.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Sonya R. Eiben, MD, for the conscientious care she's provided throughout the years. We would like to thank the staff at ThedaCare Medical Center-Appleton and ThedaCare at Home-Cherry Meadows Hospice for the dignity and compassion that was shown to Jan and our family while Jan was in their care. A special thank you to her grandson, Dr. Allen Gorman, for his steadfast guidance in helping his grandmother navigate the healthcare system and being an advocate for her medical care during her times of need. We are also so grateful for her daily caregivers such as Lauren, Kevin, Connie and Mary, who have assisted our family in helping our mother maintain her independence, dignity and quality of life. We'd like to acknowledge our mother's special caregiver "angel" Julie Pitsch, who cared for our mother with immeasurable grace, love and humor. You always brought a smile to her face and our faces when you called her "your Barbie doll".

A funeral service for Janet will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14th, 2022 at Highland Memorial Park, Star of Hope Chapel, 3131 N. Richmond Street, Appleton, Wisconsin. A visitation will take place from 3:00 p.m. until the service. A Celebration of Life will follow the service at Buttes Des Mort Country Club. All are welcome to attend to share stories and memories of Jan and to enjoy her gracious hospitality one last time.

Mom, you were a creator, sustainer and the "wind beneath the sails" of your husband and family. You filled your family's world with the kind of love and grace people dream about – unconditional and everlasting. God worked through you every day to serve others and now He's calling you home to Everlasting Life where you will join your beloved Don.