Janice Roseann Luther

1945 - 2025

Janice Roseann Luther

May 31, 1945 - October 30, 2025

Earlier on October 30, 2025, the day Jan died, she declared that this was the right way to go, with opportunity to see friends and family and state how much they meant to her. She was unafraid and hoped not to linger too long. She always left us wanting more.

If you never met Jan Luther, we're sorry about that. She would have made you a fast friend, and you'd feel you'd known her all your life. She would greet you with sparkling eyes and wide-open smile. She'd be the first to jump into the fray with you, in fun and in hardship. She was a Mender of Fences. Keeper of Friends. Confidant. Anchor.

Janice Roseann was born to Wayne "Mike" & Rosalyn Marsden on May 31, 1945. She grew up on the Albion farm, carried small creatures in her pockets, set chipmunks loose in the house, and rode a cow she named Mumsabella Fifi. Jan was known in her day as a Vocalist, singing at church, anniversaries, gyms, and festivals.

Her husband Rick Luther holds a clear detailed memory of the day he met the love of his life in Vegas, calling it fate. Rick and Jan were married for 38 years, devoted, unwavering. They seamlessly joined families together, put in a lot of time with their many great friends, and gave the perch in Lake Mendota a run for their money.

Survived by siblings, Rochelle Millard, Judy Jenson, Sharon Marsden, Tom Marsden, and Virginia Marsden; Kym Rogge (bonus daughter) and her family, Taylor Gerke, and Alex Fite; and umpteen nieces, nephews, and grands. A graduate of Edgerton Class of 1963, Jan remained tight friends with many. She was an integral part of her large close-knit family and diverse friend groups. Carried title of honorary "Aunt" to the Fahey family, with whom she and Rick had countless good times, her Elf to Rick's Santa.

Jan knew heartbreak. She was preceded in death by Charles Marsden (brother); her son, Lee Michael Walcott; Troy Luther (bonus son), Mike (dad) and Rosie (mom) Marsden, and Willis Thompson (nephew). She will be laid to rest next to her cherished son, Lee, lost tragically when he was 12. Jan's greatest joy was being a Mom.

For over 50(!) years, she worked for three generations of the Haag family, owners of State Collections Service. Jan wanted you to know how proud she was of her career and of the great value she placed on her work relationships. She was adored by colleagues and clients.

Jan and Rick both give special thanks to Agrace and the UW doctors and nursing staff. Rick expresses his gratitude to Becky, Mary Ann and Nick, Lelu, Amy, and Shelley, who spent a lot of time with them at the hospital.

Despite enduring more than her fair share of losses, Jan persevered, stating "I have had a good life." Funny, even silly, she brought life to the party. She held a kindness and grace that came from her mom & dad. Jannie Roseannie. Loyal. Advocate. Late-in-life Protestor.

On her last day, Jan reminded, "There's still work to be done." We envision Jan now doing her favorite things: unlimited hugs with Lee, sipping sweet tea in a shady spot on a sunny day, nose-deep in a book, or playing cards with those gone before. In the meantime, we watch over her memory and continue the cause.

The funeral will be a private family affair. We'll keep you posted on her Celebration of Life in the new year, TBD. Can't wait to hear your stories. www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com.