Janet Lee Madsen

Janet Lee (nee: Manske) Madsen passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at the age of 77 after a long, courageous battle with lymphoma. Janet was born on March 27, 1932, in Racine, the daughter of Bernard and Lolita Manske.

She graduated from William Horlick High School and went to Spencerian College secretarial school and began working at Johnson Wax. On March 29, 1952, she was united in marriage to Russell H. Madsen. While living in Racine, Janet held numerous jobs including a secretary in the advertising department at Johnson Wax, and as an assistant Librarian at Jerstad-Agerholm Middle school. She eventually began a career in real estate as a Realtor that lasted over 30 years in both Racine and Denver, CO.

Janet was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She sang in the choir, was a member of the St. Paul’s Junior League and spent many years organizing the yearly church rummage sale.

Janet enjoyed family gatherings, cooking and spending time with her late, beloved partner Bill Benecke. She especially loved the time she had with her grandchildren.

Surviving are her sons; Steven (Connie) Madsen and Christian (Kendra Schimke) Madsen; proud grandmother to Kirsten Madsen, James Madsen, Connor, Chase, and Carter Madsen; and great-grandmother to Bradley and Alexandra Madsen; brothers, Tom (Shirley) Manske and Fred Manske; aunt to Dr. Eric (Dr. Jennifer) Manske, Jennifer (Jonathon) Fenske, Heather (Evan) Mann, Christopher Manske, Owen (Lisa) Manske, Nicole (Tony) Tempesta, Melissa (Lance) Kingery, Loren (Martha) Manske; and numerous nieces, nephews, family members and friends. In addition, she was a lifelong friend of Auralie Frazier, Marilyn Lehner, Mary Moore, Carol Svoren and Jean Abegglen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John (Jack) Manske; niece, Noreen (nee: Manske) Ollerman; and former husband, Russell H. Madsen.

Funeral services remembering Janet’s life will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 3011 Erie St., on Saturday, May 23, 2009, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Diane Tetrault officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. There will be a visitation at Sturino Funeral Home on Friday evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

Memorials in Janet’s memory to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 have been suggested.

Sturino Funeral Home
3014 Northwestern Ave., Racine 262-632-4479