Janet Ranta Star

Star, Janet Ranta Wife, Mother, and Grandmother. Age 74, resident of Brookfield and a 35 year Shorewood resident. Passed away April 12, 2008, holding her beloved husband Dick's hand. Dear mother to Rick (Lori), Jeff and Dan. Loving grandmother of Bradley and Alexander. Further survived by other family including her relatives in Finland. Preceded in death by parents Lydia and Michael and her beloved Springer Spaniel Leinenkugel. Jan was born in West Allis in 1934 and graduated from West Allis Central High School. She then graduated from Marquette University with a Business Administration degree and embarked on a career at Gimbel's. After marrying Dick in 1959, Jan left the business world to begin her family. Jan's support of Dick's business career began with a long distance engagement while he was in Rochester, NY. She raised her family through several relocations, including Louisville, Cincinnati, Beloit, WI, and Detroit. The family settled in Shorewood when Dick initiated the intent to purchase Engman-Taylor Company in 1971. Through her travels, Jan made friends easily. She had a great talent for drawing people in and making them immediately at ease. Through "thick and thin", a friend of Jan's was a lifelong friend. Jan's giving spirit led her to significant volunteer efforts. She was the Shorewood Parent Teacher Association (PTA) President, which was a team effort with Dick as he lent his artistic talents to her term. Jan was also a Cub Scouts Den Mother during the time that her 3 boys were a full-time job! The family would like to thank the Froedtert Community of hospital and clinics, and the Zilber Family Hospice for their diligent and thoughtful care. A special thanks to Dr. Kathryn Bylow and her staff in keeping quality of life as a first concern. Their concern for her reflected Jan's concern for others. Life was never about her. It was always about family, friends, and others. To the end, it was interest in others, including new friends at the cancer clinic. Her care for family included creating a hospice at home for Kugels when his 14 year old heart and four legs could no longer carry him. Most of her treasures were small and made of paper. They filled dozens of boxes. Years and years of pictures and hundreds of cards, and the many letters written before marriage. To the end, she did not want others to know her troubles and suffering. Memories of the other times were best. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 16 from 1:00PM until 3:00PM at Harder Funeral Home (northeast corner of W. Capitol Dr. and N. Brookfield Rd.) in Brookfield. The funeral service will follow at 3:00PM. Jan's compassion for others will be honored via an effort to combat pancreatic cancer. Details will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, in lieu of flowers, please direct gifts in support of pancreatic cancer research to the JANET RANTA STAR MEMORIAL FUND c/o Engman-Taylor Company, Inc., PO Box 9008, Menomonee Falls, WI 53052. Harder Funeral Home 18700 W. Capitol Dr. 262-781-8350 www.harderfuneralhome.com