Janet D. Schwenn

Janet “Jan” Diane (Quirk) Schwenn, age 76, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at her home in Manitowish Waters, WI. She was born on August 23, 1939, in Antigo, WI and graduated from Antigo High School in 1958. She was the daughter of the late Genevieve (Knolinski) Quirk and Lesley “Bud” Tyrrell.

Jan was united in marriage to Henry “Hal” Schwenn on August 23, 1969 in Antigo. Jan and Hal raised their beloved daughters, Debra and Lisa in Mount Horeb, WI and later enjoyed their retirement years at their lake home in Manitowish Waters. Jan received her Associate’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse in 1960 and went on to become an accomplished medical research technologist in the field of Hematology. She was listed in the 1966 edition of “Outstanding Young Women of America” for her advancements in medical research and civic leadership. She initially joined the medical staff at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and later taught at the University Of Wisconsin School Of Medicine in Madison. She was awarded the title Professor of Hematology Emeritus upon her retirement in 1996.

Jan will be remembered as an active community member who served on many local and regional boards and committees. She was elected to the Mount Horeb school board in 1984 and carried multiple terms as board president during her 12 years of service. She was an avid Badger fan and could be seen and heard cheering on her team, regardless of the season. She also enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling and downhill skiing. Above all, she loved being with her family and friends. She took pride in watching her children and grandchildren participate in school and youth activities and attended as many of their events as possible. She will be remembered as a strong, intelligent woman with endless energy; a tender, passionate and loving wife, a devoted mother, a caring sister and friend. She enriched the lives of so many of her family, friends and communities.

Jan is survived by her husband, Hal Schwenn; children, Debra (James) Loe of Ladysmith, WI, Lisa (Derek) Betlock of Shakopee, MN; grandchildren, Vanessa, Erica, Evan, Owen and Eli; sisters, Carole (Gary) Dorn; Pat (Joe) Logesky, Jean (Bob) Schaper, David (Florence) Quirk, Kathy (Keith) Karpf, Dawn (Terry) Fish, Mary (Jim) Waelchli, Penne (Gary) Krueger; Brother-in-law; John (Kay) Schwenn and cousin Bob (Maggie) Klessig and many nieces and nephews. Jan was proceeded in death by her parents, Genevieve and Lesley “Bud” Tyrrell of Antigo; Hal’s parents, Melvin and Ruth (Tinkham) Schwenn of Mount Horeb and nephew Christopher Schwenn of Walworth, WI.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8 at Nimsgern Funeral Home in Woodruff from 3-5 p.m. (1025 Margaret St., Woodruff, WI 54568). A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 9 at 12 p.m. at the Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Church (Hwy. 51 North, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545).

Memorials can be made in her honor to a charity of your choice. Please share your memories of Jan at http://www.nimsgernfuneral.com/.
NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES OF WOODRUFF, WI IS SERVING THE FAMILY.