Janice M. Marquardt, 77, of East Troy, peacefully returned home to Our Heavenly Father on Sunday, March 1, 2020. She was born Nov. 16, 1942, in Waukesha County, to David and Rita (Metz) Beilfuss.
Jan was employed in several different industries throughout her working years. The job that was most important to Jan was being a loving and supportive mom to the four children that God blessed her with.
Jan’s family and friends will forever remember her as a loving, patient, witty, and generous woman with a great sense of humor. She always had to time to talk, give advice, or just lend an ear. Jan always made time to help in whatever way possible to her if someone was facing one of life’s storms or a difficult decision.
Jan was very proud of her family. She loved spending time with them and creating memories. One of Jan’s memory building activities was the Christmas grab bag. This became a holiday tradition that filled the house with laughter, chaos, a lot of bartering and mounds of wrapping paper and gift bags. Each of Jan’s kids’ families has many fun tales to tell regarding that grab bag and probably is the proud owner of at least two dozen of those grab bag goodies and treasures. Oh, the stories….
One of Jan’s favorite places to be was in her yard. She loved “digging in the dirt!” Jan enjoyed the sunshine, tending to her garden, mowing lawn, and feeding and watching the birds at her feeders. This provided hours of relaxation for her and provided a cheery, colorful work of art for her family.
Jan was known to drop whatever she was doing to go fishing with her sons. If asked, both of Jan’s sons would have no choice but to openly admit that Mom usually out fished them. As a child, Jan would fish at the Mill Pond near her home. She would bring home the fish and her mom would prepare dinner. To miss a Friday Fish Fry was unheard of at the Beilfuss house!
Jan touched the lives of many people over the years. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Jan is survived by her children, Jill (Dean) Castronovo of Brookfield, John (Chris) Bartelak of Burlington, and James (Tami Johnson) Bartelak of Delavan; grandchildren, Nick (Alison), Alex, Amber (Tony), Joe (Jess), Kyle (Joanna), Cassie (Drew), Alyssa and Tanner; great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Henry, Cheyanne, A.J., Brooklyn, Zephan, Val and Evan.
Jan is also survived by her brother, David (Janice) Beilfuss; nephew, David Beilfuss; and niece, Rebecca Bergmann.
All of Jan’s immediate family resides in Wisconsin. Jan is also survived by a number of other relatives and friends.
Jan was preceded in death by her loving parents, beautiful daughter, Joann, and beloved grandchildren, Anthony and Amy.
A private celebration of Jan’s life will be held.
Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Eagle and Palmyra, is serving the family. To leave online condolences, visit www.gibsonfuneral.com.
