Judith Jessie Janz

Judith (LaMere) Janz, 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston.

Judith was born on March 25, 1937, in Wausau, WI, the daughter of the late Richard and Ruth (Hartwig) LaMere.  She graduated from Mosinee High School, then attended the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point as a non-traditional student.

After graduation from UWSP, Judith taught vocal music at St. Stephen’s School in Stevens Point and then taught general music at Mosinee Middle School and Mosinee Elementary School.  She gave private piano lessons for many years and served as the organist, at age 15 at St. James Episcopal Church, Mosinee, dedicating fifty-three years to the ministry of music.

Judith was united in marriage to Alfred Janz on August 10, 1957, at St. James Episcopal Church, Mosinee.

She is survived by sons, Jonathan Janz, and Steven (Mayka) Janz, and daughter, Rochelle Janz, all of Mosinee; grandchildren, Amanda Janz, Allegra Coolidge, Kirstin Bates, Nicholas Chapman and Monica Janz; great-grandchildren, Aidan, Keitan and Mason Mengel, Iyla Mabry,  great grand baby arriving soon and Logan and Brinley Bates.  Judith is also survived by a brother, Robert (Sally) LaMere and a sister Anita (Don) Olds.  Brother-in-law, David Janz, Gary (Danelle) Janz, Sisters-in-law, Luetta Hartz and Carolyn (Larry) Graff.  Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Judith was a life-long member of St. James Episcopal Church and at various times, served on the vestry.  She was also a member of the St. James Guild.  Judith served as a judge for the Wisconsin State Music Association and was also on the Board of Directors for the Central Wisconsin Youth Orchestra.  Judith’s continuous commitment of accompanying and coaching high school students in the Class A Division for the Wisconsin State Music Association Solo and Ensemble competitions brought her much enjoyment.  She has used and shared her talent with so many people.

Judith found much happiness spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She faithfully watched the Green Bay Packers and enthusiastically enjoyed her trip to Quebec with her brother and sister in 2001.  They helped celebrate the 300th anniversary of the marriage of their ancestors, Jean-Francois Lemire and Francoise Foucault, who married in 1701.  Judith spent many pleasurable years researching her family tree and traced some of the family lines back to the 1600’s.  She enjoyed hobbies that included needlework, reading, gardening and bird watching.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 11:00 am, at St. James Episcopal Church, Mosinee.  The Rev. Samuel Cripps will officiate.  Burial will take place at Mosinee Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 am, until the time of service, all at the church.  Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.

Judith’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston, particularly Nurse Sarah, Nurse Practitioner Hailey and caseworker Jodi.