Jane E. Running

Jane Running, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully at her home in Jefferson, Wisconsin, on September 10, 2025, at the age of 78.

Born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, on February 2, 1947, Jane was the daughter of the late Gyneth and Roscoe Annear. Jane attended elementary school at St. Mary's Catholic School in Richland Center and graduated from Richland Center High School in 1965 where she was lovingly referred to as "Lady Jane". She was united in marriage to Michael Running on September 5, 1970, in Richland Center. A true jack-of-all-trades, she embraced a wide variety of careers throughout her life, including as a hair stylist, travel agent, real estate agent, and insurance agent. She even worked at the local radio station, WRCO.

A creative and insightful person, Jane had a natural talent for decorating and a sharp eye for art. She and her husband, Mike, loved collecting hidden treasures from estate sales and curated a beautiful art collection together. Their basement became a gallery of her discoveries, a true testament to her love for beauty. Jane also found joy in the simple things, like a clean house and a good song, and her home was always filled with the warmth of her personality and her favorite music, especially Willie Nelson.

Jane will be remembered for her friendly and easygoing nature, her quick smile, and her ability to find humor even at her own expense. Her generosity and light extended far beyond her family, teaching those around her to see beauty in the world, find joy in the little things, and meet life with bravery and grace. She was a poet, a philosopher, a good friend, and a wonderful wife and mother.

Jane is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Mike of Jefferson; her daughters, Rachael Running (Marty Griffin) of Wauwatosa and Rebecca Running (Brian Hanold); and her granddaughter, June Hanold of Stoughton. She is also survived by her sisters, Judy Zemaitis (Bob) of Birchwood and Kathy Gorski (Chris) of Watertown; her brother, John Annear (Kim) of Richland Center; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gyneth and Roscoe Annear.

A celebration of Jane's life will be held on Saturday, September 27 beginning at 2 p.m. with a eulogy service at 3 p.m. at Anaway Place – "The Barn" at 21558 Candlewood Lane, Richland Center. Please Park at Honker's Dining, Lodging, & Spirits (34055 Wisconsin – 80, Muscoda). A shuttle bus will be provided to transport guests to Anaway.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jane's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.