Janice M. Steffel

Janice M. Steffel, died peacefully Tuesday morning, February 11, 2025 at The Cottages Memory Care in Oconto Falls. She was born September 1, 1936, in Chase, Wisconsin, to Ernest and Mabel (Aprille) Heinemann. She graduated from Pulaski High School, class of 1954.

She married William Steffel Jr. June 4, 1960 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Morgan, and together they moved to Spruce where they would raise their three children and eventually take over the Steffel Farm. She contributed tremendously to the Steffel Farm being recognized in 1999 as a Century Farm. Later in life, Janice worked at Farnsworth Public Library in Oconto and also worked for a local organization, helping coordinate home health care for area families.

Janice was a remarkable woman with many passions. She was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, where she participated in Sunday school, readings, and service projects. Her commitment extended to fundraising efforts to help local youth attend Crossways Camp and serving on the church cookbook committee. Additionally, she enjoyed serving as youth leader for the Spruce Aces 4H Club and superintendent of the Oconto County Fair.

In her free time, Janice loved to sew, quilt, bake, and garden, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her three children: William J. (Susan) Steffel of DePere, Peter (Ann) Steffel of Oconto Falls, and Barbara (Rick) Krueger of Suring; seven grandchildren: Kayla (Sam) Zahn, Kurt Steffel, Rachel (Brody) Zimmer, Megan (Jake) Muscavitch, Jennifer (Jason Kardoskee) Krueger, Becky (Jason Aprill) Krueger, and Lynn Krueger; and 15 great-grandchildren. Janice is also survived by her two sisters, Arlene Elsea of Pennsylvania and Millie Gohr of Chase, along with her sister-in-law, Joyce Vizelka of Oconto Falls.

She was greeted in heaven by her parents, Ernest and Mabel; her beloved husband, Bill; and her granddaughter, Jo Marquardt. She also joins her four sisters: Lucille (Ray) Kolakowski, Irene (Clifford) Allison, Florence (Robert) Sternberg, and Gladys (Clarence) Werner; brothers-in-law, Reuben Gohr, Method Vizelka, Donald (Nancy) Steffel; and special nephew, John Vizelka.

A visitation will take place Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church (Co. Rd. M) in Suring from 10:00 AM until the time of service. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM with Pastor Fred Mai. Janice will be laid to rest at Pine Hill Cemetery at a future date. 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff members at Serenity Gardens, The Cottages Memory Care, and Moments Hospice for their love and compassion the last several years.