Janet Vanness

On Monday, December 10, 2018, Janet Vanness, 79, ran her final race and crossed into the gates of Heaven, with her family by her side. She was born on September 25, 1939 in Sheboygan, WI, to the late Martin and Catherine (Schultz) Van De Kreeke. Janet graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Green Bay. On May 21, 1960, she married Lawrence Vanness at Annunciation Church in Green Bay. Together they raised 5 children.

Janet was a stay-at-home mom. As the kids grew, she began working outside the home doing clerical work at various businesses including Charmin (P&G), FMC, the Catholic Diocese, Sasib Packaging and Heavenly Ham. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed attending events for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She took up running later in life, running many 5K, 10K and half marathons. Her most recent run was three weeks ago.

She volunteered throughout the community with various organizations.  She served on several committees with her church, Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Green Bay, March of Dimes, the Cellcom Marathon and the Village of Ashwaubenon Voting Polls.

Janet enjoyed reading, watching TV game shows and following the Packers, Badgers and the Brewers.  During the spring and fall, she actually enjoyed mowing her lawn and that of other family members.

Janet is survived by her husband of 58 years, Larry; her children, Sue Dehne, Lori (Mike) Demeny, Kathy (Steve) Matheys, Dave (Laurie) Vanness and Carole (Mike) Bennett; brother, Fr. Bill Van De Kreeke; sister-in-law, Joyce Van De Kreeke; grandchildren, Jaci (Lance), Abby, Tyler (Megan), Jordan, Melissa (Matt), Ben, Luke (Bella), Chael, Josh (Sara), Leora (Chadd), Tori (Nick); great-grandchildren, Lucy, Lily, Rayden, Sebastian, Gracelyn, Micah, Rorie, Finn, Cain and Nicholas. She is survived by many other brother and sister-in-laws.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Van De Kreeke; mother and father-in-law and many other in-laws.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 2270 S. Oneida Street, from 9:00 am until the funeral service at 11:00 am with Rev. Mike Ingold officiating. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos may be shared with Janet’s family on her tribute page at www.lyndahl.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ashwaubenon Rescue, St. Vincent Hospital ER and ICU staff, UW Organ Procurement Organization for all they have done for Janet. Per Janet’s wishes, she was an organ and tissue donor, which allowed her to help and be a hero to others.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Janet’s memory.

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