Janice Kjellberg 09/24/2024

Janice M. Kjellberg, age 82, of New Richmond, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2024, peacefully. Janice was born January 18, 1942 to Adolph (Sam) and Violet (Kuehl) Mante in New Richmond, WI. She spent her childhood around Somerset, WI. When she was about 16, she met the love of her life, Jim Kjellberg. They married in February 1960 and began their life together. They settled near Somerset and their family. Janice loved music almost as much as she loved her family and she learned to play the accordion when she was quite young. She spent many a weekend evening out at Gasper’s Bar or The Silver Spur playing for the crowd. Jim was always there, supporting her and cheering her on. She “played by ear” so was always easily able to play a song after hearing it without any need for sheet music, a skill that always baffled her children! The accordion itself also baffled all 4 of her children, none of whom ever learned to play one. The buttons and keys on this instrument caused them to have immediate confusion and the need to escape out the nearest door. She loved to bake and there was almost always a fresh cake or cookies on the kitchen counter. She catered to her family, leaving the cake corner unfrosted for the kid who didn’t care for frosting and pretending not to notice the two older kids fighting over the middle piece of the cinnamon rolls or brownies. She did get a bit annoyed every time she went to the freezer to get some frozen chocolate chip cookies out for company and they were gone, no one ever confessed to this crime and it happened frequently. Her biggest passion was her family, especially her grandchildren. She attended every concert at school or church that involved her grands, tried to make every ball game, play, competition and any other event that her grandchildren were involved in. Janice will remain in the hearts of her children, Karmen (Todd) Rushton of Somerset, Kelvin (Cindy) of Deer Park, Karen (John) Harrington of New Richmond, Ken (Carrie) of New Richmond; honorary daughter, Ronda Bierbrauer; grandchildren, Cory Reardon, Jamie Rushton, Rob (Jordan) Rushton, Ariel (Casey) Groehler, Jacob Sylvara, Kennedi Kjellberg, Kathryn Rushton, Travis Kjellberg, Morgan Kjellberg, Ellie Kjellberg, Cody Kjellberg; great grandson Tristan Voght; nephews, Stan (Michael) Christianson, Eric (Jeannie) Kjellberg; along with her many other nieces and nephews. Janice was preceded in death by her husband, James (Jim) Kjellberg; parents, Adolph (Sam) and Violet Mante; brothers, Raymond Mante, Norman Mante, and sister Lois Christianson. A Celebration of Janice’s Life was held on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 4 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 728 S Knowles Avenue New Richmond, WI and streamed live through the link just below this obituary.  Visitation was also on Sunday from 2-4 pm at the funeral home.  Interment is in Hillside Cemetery in Somerset, WI. A special thanks to all the wonderful Deerfield Gables staff for her care there this last year and the Optage Hospice staff for providing comfort care during her final hours. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch a recording of Janice’s service.