Obituary published on Legacy.com by Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service - Richland Center on Nov. 17, 2025.
Janice Marie Unbehaun, 79, peacefully passed away on November 10, 2025 surrounded by the love and gratitude of her family.
Born on February 27, 1946 in
Richland Center, Wisconsin to Loren & Mildred (Ray) Unbehaun, Janice was the youngest of three girls. She grew up on the family farm and attended Crow Hill School, a one room school through eighth grade. She then attended Richland Center High School and graduated as the Salutatorian for the Class of 1964.
The week following graduation, Janice began her medical transcriptionist career with the Edwards Clinic, which, over time, laid the groundwork for what grew into the Richland Medical Center. She retired from there in 2014 after 50 years as a devoted, respected employee. Upon retiring, Janice sold her house in town and returned to country life on the family farm, where she enjoyed watching over the animals and lending a hand when needed.
While she never married or had children of her own, she was a beloved and central figure in the lives of her sisters, brother-in-law, aunts & uncles, cousins, and adoring nieces and nephews, who knew her as their cherished "Aunt Janice." She poured her love into all of her relatives and friends, celebrating their milestones and offering steadfast support.
Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to the service of others, guided by her deep and abiding faith which was a beacon to many and the cornerstone of her existence. For decades, she was a devoted servant at the Free Methodist Church. Her wisdom and gentle spirit touched many lives as she led insightful Bible studies, thoughtfully guiding others in their faith.
Generosity was her hallmark. Janice lived a life of true selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own. She loved nothing more than a family meal together and often hosted large gatherings in her home. She was also the first to offer to bring a dish for meals at others' houses or to families in times of sorrow or illness. For years, Janice assisted her parents in hosting both the Ray and Unbehaun family reunions. Many family members and friends benefited from her quiet generosity, kindness, and willingness to help without any expectation of recognition.
When she wasn't serving her church or community, Janice found fulfillment in gardening where she could not only enjoy the outdoors but also share her abundance of vegetables with family and friends. She also possessed a deep love for the history of her family. She dedicated years to meticulous genealogical research, which culminated in the treasured Ray-Unbehaun family lineage books-a lasting gift of heritage and connection for generations to come.
Her legacy is one of quiet strength, boundless love, and a life dedicated to living out her faith through acts of kindness and service. She will be deeply missed.
Janice is preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Mildred Unbehaun, and numerous Aunts & Uncles.
She is survived by her siblings, Carolyn Denman and Marilyn (John) Spohn and Aunt Barbara (Dick) Riddle, nieces and nephews: Chris (Kevin) Mulholland, Kim (John) Annear, Deb (Chris Harris) Kanable, Brian Denman; John (Hope) Spohn, Jim (Kimberly) Spohn, and Cheryl (Tony) Sous; 13 great-nieces & nephews, 11 great-great nieces & nephews (soon to be 13), cousins, and a community of cherished friends who will profoundly miss her gentle presence and servant's heart.
Per Janice's request, a small graveside burial was held. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Free Methodist Church, in
Richland Center, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Janice's name to Lydia's House Ministries, 265 N Church St,
Richland Center, WI 53581 or a donation to Eden's Glory, a therapeutic home for female survivors of human trafficking, 214 N 3rd St, Greenville, IL 62246. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
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