Janet M. Schmitz
1949 - 2013

Janet M. Schmitz passed away on Nov. 1, 2013, at Hospice House following a 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born on April 21, 1949 in Racine, Wis. She was the daughter of the late William G. and Julie A. (Bodnar) Schmitz. She attended local Catholic schools, St. Mary and St. Joseph High graduating in 1967. From there she went into the nursing program at what was then the Kenosha Technical Institute, graduating as an LPN in 1970. After graduating she embarked on a lifelong career that spanned 40 years, as a caregiver demonstrating her inner desire and compassion to help others in need.

She utilized her nursing skills over many different health care venues, working at nursing homes, hospitals, doctor offices, Hospice Alliance, where she assisted in launching the Hospice House, and in her specialty of orthopedic nursing.

Janet was united in marriage to the love of her life Jack Duller in August 1973. Jack tragically passed away on Dec. 25, 1974, after a lengthy illness.

Janet was a fan of all things Wisconsin being an avid Badger, Packer, Brewer and Admirals supporter. She greatly enjoyed anytime she could get to one of these games with her brother, other family members and friends. She enjoyed going to Summer fest and the State fair, and especially eating cream puffs. She was also an accomplished cook and enjoyed making and sharing her creations in the kitchen.

Janet was also a pet lover especially loving and caring for cats. She adopted and cared for many over the years and will presently be missed by Madison, Ebony, and Lucy.

Janet is survived by her sister Patricia A. (Gary) Schneider; her brothers, Michael A. (Diane) Schmitz and David W. (Deborah) Schmitz. She is further survived by seven nieces, Andrea (Tim) Clark, Lara (Anthony) Auriemma, Haley Schneider, Gloria (Michael) Morrone, Brianna (Paul) Scozzaro, Michelle (Aaron) Jaskolski and Katherine Schmitz; six great nieces and one great nephew, Addison, William, Alexa, Julia, Macy, Chloe and Natalie. She is also survived by her close friends Kathy Tenuta, Sam Ruffolo, Theresa and Ron Staup and many other dear friends.

Jan was preceded in death by her late husband Jack and her parents.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Hospice House, Kathy Carroll, Nurse Cindy and all the devoted nurses and employees who cared for Janet when she needed it most, also an additional thank you to Kathy Tenuta and Sam Ruffolo for help and support.