Janice M. 'Sneakers' Kaser

Janice M. Kaser, her clown friends Aunt Lovey, Sneakers, and Gravel Gurdy were wrapped in a final hug Sunday August 14, 2011. Janice was born in Racine to the late Joseph and Gudrun (Nee: Nelson) Thome.

Janice jumped into the world of clowning, entertaining and teaching clown classes with both floppy shoes. “Sneakers” retired from active stunt work and professional clowning in 1995. She often said, “I ran away from the circus to join the real world.” She helped with the “Great Circus Parade” and related activities for many years. She was employed by the law firm Sharp and Sharp. S.C. for 25 years as a one-woman show and again was heard many times to say that “the legal world was the plainclothes division of the circus.”

Surviving are her children, Deana M. Overstreet Oswald, D. Lee Overstreet, Amanda Kaser; grandchildren, Katrina L. Overstreet (Justin) Siordia, Alyssa M. Oswald, Joseph R. Kaser, Victoria Oswald; great-grandson, Alexander “A.J.” Overstreet; brother, George N. (Pamela) Thome; sister, Paula E. (John) Thome-Stack; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and numerous valued friends both clown and civilian. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, J. Michael “Scrap” Thome in 2002.

A celebration of Janice’s life will be held Saturday, August 20, 2011, at the funeral home. Clown noses are encouraged. Relatives and friends may meet from 1 p.m. until time of service at 2 p.m. Private interment at Calvary Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Susan Ward, NP, Dr. McCollough, Marsha Tyecke RN, Dr. Wong and his staff ,the RN’s at Hospice Alliance, and to the ladies in the Elbow Benders Bowling League who kept Janice well hydrated throughout the years.

Thanks to the symbol of laughter
Thanks to the bright light in our day
Thanks to the president of silliness
Thanks to the silly clowns for all that they do and say

                                                             -Noelee Korzeniewski

“See you on down the road.”

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888