Janice Van Straten's Funeral Mass Video

Janice Agnes Van Straten

Having Tom home from the hospital by her side, Christmas with family and last rites, were Mom's final wishes. All were granted. Janice made her journey to heaven December 27, 2023 after Father Michael prayed over her with family. Tom told her it was time to rest and she took her last breath shortly after. A peaceful ending of a life she fought so hard to live.

Janice Agnes Van Straten was born August 30, 1939 to Authur and Martha Conradt. Her lifelong address was Shiocton, WI. She was very proud to live in Shiocton, a place where you knew everyone and helped each other out. She graduated Shiocton High School in 1957. While in high school she met the love of her life, Thomas Van Straten. They were married on November 29, 1958 at St. Denis Catholic Church in Shiocton and were able to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary this year. They were very generous and shared with as many people and organizations as possible throughout their lives. They were able to establish their "Pay It Forward" family fund while Mom was in good health. Something they both wanted to leave for children that needed a "hand up" while attending Shiocton Schools.

Janice was so proud to stand next to Tom throughout her life. She was the right hand girl for whatever he needed. Whether it was helping on the farm, payroll, or assisting with things at Terra International. She was so proud to witness Dad and Larry grow Van Straten Farms into what it is today. She sure loved to plan parties! She was named the "Queen of Crap" by Rodney many years ago because for everything we did, she would go through her magazines to find little gadgets, hats, leis, you name it, and we probably had it at a party to make things a little more fun. This was very evident in the 20 years we were able to celebrate Dad's Life is Good party, all the fish frys at the shop and the kids stockings at Christmas.

Janice was a faithful member of St. Denis Catholic Church. Earlier years she was very active with St. Ann's Society and helped with the luncheons and bazaars. She loved 4-H, was a leader and helped out with projects for the fair. The Shiocton Harvest Festival, tractor pull and parade were the highlight of the summer.

The best and most important part of her life was being a Mom, Grandma and then blessed to be a Great Grandma. She was very proud of them, and loved everyone dearly. The treat drawer was always full. Her love for family was immeasurable, as was our love for her.

Janice's love of travel started in 1967 with a trip to the World Fair in Canada, their first trip of many, out of the country. Traveling to most states in the US, Las Vegas and Walt Disney World with her family being the highlights. The grandkids knew that if they were in Disney with Grandma the first ride request would be "It's a Small World" ride and you were not getting that song out of your head for the rest of the day. Second was Grandpa's "The Land" where they could watch Grandma freak out because of the mist that might mess with her hair!  She loved watching the Packers, Brewers and Bucks games. She attended many Packer games and Locker Room shows with Dad.

Janice is survived by: Tom, her high school sweetheart. Her children: Larry (Deb) Van Straten, Bob (Mary) Van Straten, Pam (Mike) Wilcox, Nick (Sally) Van Straten and Rod (Paula) Van Straten. The highlights of her life, her grandchildren: Brittany (Travis) Jack, Brooke (Tim) Jack, Brenna (Spencer) Jack, Jeremy (Trisha) Van Straten, Josh Van Straten, Jake (Jayce) Van Straten, Scott Wilcox, Sarah (Adam) Breit, Charlie (Jordan) Van Straten, Sammy (Jess) Van Straten, Chandler Van Straten, Kellyn (Trey) Van Straten. Great grandchildren: Levi, Garrett, Nora, Nate, Kendall, Konnor, Carter, Ashlynn, Whitney, Blake, Emily, Gavin, Brielle, Kannon and Knox. Her only living brother Leroy (Jeannine) Conradt and brother in law Jim Booth.  Tom's family: Jackie (Gary) Waterstradt, Richard (Kathy) Van Straten, John (Lucy) Van Straten and Jane (David) Reinke and Barbara Bauer. Janice was preceded in death by: her mother and father, Arthur and Martha Conradt; her daughter Connie (6 months old), grandson Tyler Wege, brothers and sisters, Victor (Marian) Conradt, Reno (Pat) Conradt, Gordon "Bob" (Marion) Conradt, Charles (Audrey) Conradt, Lola Mae (Adolph) Pleshek, Charlotte (Marley) Merholtz, Margaret Conradt, Dorothy (Joe) Karbel, James (Joanne) Conradt and Verla Booth. Toms family: Tom's parents, Clark and Nona Van Straten; infant Janice, Joseph Van Straten, Gary Van Straten, Jack and Jeanne Vander Zanden.

The Mass of Christian burial for Janice will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 4th, 2024 at St. Denis Parish with Fr. Michael Thiel officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Her final resting place will be at St. Denis Parish Cemetery.

Our family would like to thank Crystal Guttman APNP for her personal guidance, comfort, positivity of keeping Mom's hope alive thru her cancer journey. Dr. Aaron Douglas, Dr. Aaron Douglas, Dr. Doug Salm, Dr. Brian Guttormsen and Dr. Christopher Luty  the whole staff at Theda Care Cancer Center, and the Theda Care Hospital (AMC) with Dr. Eric Winkel ALL of you were amazing. Thank you!

Dad, Mom told us on her last days, while you were in the hospital, and many days prior how she couldn't be more thankful of how you always took care of her and were such a good husband. Thanks for being such a great example to all of us. She also said to "Keep taking the trips", take good care of Dad and be good to each other.

Mom, you took your last breath and we will all miss you so much until we take ours. There is a lot of the word love throughout this obituary, because that is exactly what you gave us. We can't wait to plan another party in heaven with you someday!