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Janet Star Obituary

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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Apr. 14 to Apr. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Janet Star

Sponsored by Jon & Jackie Hoover.

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David Burant

April 30, 2008

Janet Star was a very kind and open person. When I hung out with her sons, she always made me feel welcome. Please accept my condolences.

Al & Nancy Totsky

April 21, 2008

We were so sorry to hear about the lost of Jan. She was one great women that always cared about her family and friends. She will always carry a place in our hearts forever.

Richard Panfil

April 17, 2008

After reading all the entries in this book I know, though I never had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Star, that she was truly a giving and loving person. Then attending the service yesterday I realized that she was emulating Christ as we are taught to do as Christians. I then thought of this prayer of Saint Francis as I reflected on it all.

"Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life."

I think this could be Mrs. Stars prayer and she would want it to be ours also.

Marty Gillette

April 16, 2008

Dick and family:So sorry to hear about the loss of Jan.We know that she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.Just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts.Marty and Shirley Gillette

Kelly Kilmartin

April 16, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Jan. She was a wonderful person and made me feel welcome in the ETCO family. She has touched many lives including mine. Anyone who has had the opportunity to have met her is truely blessed. My prayers go out to Dick, Rick, and the rest of the Star family. May the Lord give you peace and comfort in your time of loss.

Bill and Brenda Collier

April 16, 2008

Dear Dick and family,
We were so saddened to hear of the news regarding Janet.
Please know that you are all in our prayers.

Tim and Chris Schmidt

April 16, 2008

Jan was truly a beautiful person. She truly will be missed.

Amy Kremnitzer

April 16, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Paula Dahlman LPN

April 15, 2008

Dear Mr. Star & Family:

It was my pleasure to care for Janet. Please accept my deepest sympathy, she will be missed.

Allen and Lisa Mies

April 15, 2008

Deepest symapthy to your family for the loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Christianna Neuzerling

April 15, 2008

I am terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Jan was one of the most compassionate, giving, selfless women I have ever met. She has touched the lives of our family and will never be forgotten. Please accept my deepest condolences and prayers.

Jim Brady

April 15, 2008

Jim Brady and wife Sharon have your loss of Jan in our prayers asking for your strengths to overcome your sorrow. May GOD and our savior JESUS keep you and your family strong.

George & Terri Beck

April 15, 2008

May God's hand touch the Star family in their loss of one who loved so much and will continue to be loved forever.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Denise anderson

April 15, 2008

Mr Star and family,
It was my pleasure to take care of Janet. She was truely a joy to talk with and care for. I will miss seeing her. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. My best wishes,
Denise Anderson, Nurse Practitioner

Fran and Guy Morelock

April 15, 2008

For all the years we have known Jan she was always the perfect Hostess. She always wanted to know that you were happpy and satisfied with your accommodations. It didn't matter if we were in Boston, San Francisco, or Milwaukee, she wanted you to be happy with what had been planned for you. I always looked up to Jan for her personality and ability to converse well with anyone about anything and I don't think she ever knew a stranger. As those have said before me - She always welcomed you into the "fold" and always made you feel at home, I will forever remember the helicopter trip over the Grand Canyon with her. Thank you, Jan for being you and all the wonderful memories.

A warm hug and prayers for all the Family

Jim Glynn

April 15, 2008

I grew up with Jan and Dick's youngest son, Dan, and have felt a part of the family for over 30 years. Jan was always so loving and supportive, making sure that I knew I had a place in her heart. She truly did have an enormous heart, and I will always be grateful to her for the kindness and affection she showed me. Her loving nature is the wonderful legacy she leaves us all with.

Muff and Cindy Tanriverdi

April 15, 2008

Jan always wore a beautiful smile and friendly to everyone. She had a special charm about her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

John & Kathy Jacobsen

April 14, 2008

Our sincere condolences to the Star family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bill & Mary Sullivan

April 14, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dick and family on the loss of Jan. Jan was our neighbor and friend at the Westview. Her pleasant and joyful personality brought a smile to all. We will always have memories of the great fun we had at the st. pat's parties. We love you, Jan and will miss you.

Craig and Janet Rocke

April 14, 2008

All who knew Jan had their lives enriched by her warm and caring manner. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Sean, Denielle, Breanne, Colin, Jenna, and Sarah Yusten

April 14, 2008

We are praying that our great God of comfort will bring peace to the Star family and friends in this time of grief and loss.

Tim Golden

April 14, 2008

On behalf of 3M and its associates, we would like to express our deepest sympathies for the Star family and closest friends. Our prayers are with you!

LORI FULLAM

April 14, 2008

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

Jim & Lori Mueller

April 14, 2008

Jan was a very special person and will be missed. I'll never forget her friendly manner. She was always happy to see you whenever paths crossed. The world will not be the same without her. My heart goes out to the family. God bless!!

Mark Sauer

April 14, 2008

This world will never be the same without Jan's warm personality and fabulous sense of humor. When Ellen and I first met her at the Christmas party almost 25 years ago, we were a couple of nervous kids. But Jan made us feel so comfortable, so welcomed. She was that way with everyone, always the highlight of the party.
We will miss her very much, and are praying that God will be especially close to you Dick, Rick, Lori, Bradley, Alexander, Jeff and Dan during this difficult time of mourning.

Kevin & Stacy Clay

April 14, 2008

Please accept our deepest sympathy to you and your family for your tremendous loss.

Jackie Hoover

April 14, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of Jan's passing. I only met her once, at the Engman-Taylor Christmas party a few years ago. She was waiting in the lobby for Dick to bring the car around, and she began a conversation with me. She was so friendly with someone she had never met before, and I never forgot that. Through all that I have heard and read about Jan, I know that she leaves a legacy of love, caring and compassion for others. She is the kind of person who touches the world.

Mary and Vern Voelker

April 14, 2008

The opportunity to get to know Jan has been a blessing these past 30 years. Dick and family, you are in our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Please know how much you are loved and how you were fortunate to experience the love of such a special woman.

Jeff Scheid

April 14, 2008

My heart goes out to Dick and his family. What a tragic loss. I am sure that as a wife, mother, and grandmother, she will be sorely missed. I will certainly keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Chris and Cheri Frank

April 14, 2008

Please accept our condolences. We will be praying for all of you.

Cheryl Kowalske

April 14, 2008

My fondest memories of Jan Star always included her love of “family” & “children”. Jan could always be found at ETCO functions holding or “fawning” over the new additions to the ETCO Family, and when her grandsons were born she could not have been more overjoyed or proud…She was awesome Grandma, and the boys were blessed to have had her in their lives…WE have all lost a warm, sweet and loving friend, but the Lord has gained an “exceptional” angel.. We will see her again…My deepest sympathies to the entire family…………..Cheryl Kowalske

Connie Bock

April 14, 2008

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lori Gross

April 14, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. God Bless.

Ron and Lisa Fate

April 14, 2008

We will always remember Jans precious smile and sweetness. You are all in our hearts and prayers. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Chad Abrahamson

April 14, 2008

I had the pleasure of meeting Janet on only a few occassions but what I remember most was her true love of family. No bond is as great as that between a husband and wife, or a parent and child.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Chad, Rylee & Zachary

Judy and Bill Bomm

April 14, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jan was a special person and will be missed by many.

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