Janet I. Rufe

Janet I. (Fredrickson) Rufe, age 88, passed away on April 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and an endless appreciation for a good joke.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Janet graduated from Bay View High School before earning her bachelor’s degree from UW–Madison, where she met her future husband, Dennis Rufe. They shared 49 years of marriage until Dennis’s passing in 2007.

In 1972, Janet and Dennis made their home in Neenah, WI, where she built a successful career as a licensed, self-employed electrologist. She was also a proud and active member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), championing education and empowerment for women.

At age 47, shortly after selling her business, Janet suffered a viral stroke that left her partially disabled. Despite this challenge, she approached life with unwavering optimism. She once said, “If I can laugh, I can live”—a mantra she truly embodied. Her quick wit and love of telling jokes became her trademark, lighting up conversations and bringing smiles to those around her.

Janet’s greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her two children, Jeff Rufe (Jane Zaretzke) and Jane Rufe (Clint Roberts); her cherished granddaughters, Maggie (Alex) Rufe and Cailin Sneider (Joshua Smith), who were frequent recipients of her playful spirit; and her great-grandson, Jansen Rufe, born just hours after her passing. Though he won’t remember her, he will grow up hearing her stories and laughing.

She is also survived by her siblings, Dennis (Lynn) Fredrickson and Karen Delker; her sister-in-law, Kathy (Ken) Boivin; step-grandchildren, Kent Zaretzke, Gabriella Ehlke, and Madeline Ehlke; as well as loved nieces and nephews. Janet’s humor and lighthearted nature will live on in all of them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Irlean Fredrickson (later Housfeld), and by her favorite of her three children—Hammer the dog.

Her family finds comfort in imagining her somewhere cracking jokes and making others laugh and perhaps playing in the fields with Hammer.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Island Shores and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.