Janet Shadis

Janet Ilene Shadis, age 59, passed away Tuesday morning, September 20, 2016. Janet Ilene was born January 24, 1957, in St. Paul, MN, to Vernon and Gladys (Johnson) Kleppe, joining older brother Paul and later becoming big sister to Glen, Kurt and Kent. Vernon and Gladys raised Janet in a happy, loving household and imparted a deep abiding faith through baptism and confirmation. She inherited a lifelong love and talent for music, playing the piano, organ and singing. At least 75% Norwegian by heritage, Janet enjoyed lefse (traditional Norwegian soft flatbread), a dry sense of humor and was stoic. Her life was profoundly touched by her mother’s sister, “Aunt Corrine” Johnson, a missionary to Cameron, Africa, for more than 40 years. Some of her fondest childhood memories were staying with her maternal grandmother for extended time in the summer, helping her cook and playing games together. Upon high school graduation, Janet attended UW-River Falls for one year. While Janet earned academic honors, she pursued a relationship with a college friend’s brother “Danny” instead of her sophomore year. On November 27, 1976, Janet married Daniel Shadis in Winter, Wisconsin. She wholeheartedly pursued excellence as a homemaker and mother to Naomi, Jacob, Rachel, Noah and Z. James. Her husband, children, and home were second only to her relationship with Christ. Like her own mother, Janet was the church organist/pianist, even directing a church choir for some years. She enjoyed sewing clothing and became an exceptional cook and baker. She always loved to be fancy, wearing jewelry and different nail polishes. Becoming “Nana” to Daveney, Charlie, Andrew, Audrey, Aria, Max and Quinton were the greatest joys of her life. After James’s graduation from high school, Janet pursued her dream of working in the medical field, graduating as the top CMA student in her class, then worked at the Burnett Medical Center where she was lauded for her excellence and was deeply loved as a friend and colleague. The most important thing in her life was her relationship with Jesus Christ. She kept a prayer journal and spent time in the mornings praying and was quick to offer to pray for others. She loved to play the piano and sing hymns of praise. She memorized scripture along with her children. As she grew in the Lord, He gave her the strength to forgive the unforgiveable and to endure suffering with joy and peace. Relatives and friends may call between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, Friday, September 23, 2016, at Wood River Christian Fellowship, 22780 S. Williams Rd., Grantsburg, WI 54840. The memorial service honoring Janet’s life will be conducted at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 24, 2016, at Wood River Christian Fellowship with Pastor Todd Harris officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service.