Jeanette M. (Schlies) Wotachek

The family of Jeanette Marie Wotachek lost a devoted wife, loving mother, caring grandmother, wonderful sister, aunt, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and friend when God called Jeanette home to Heaven on Friday, December 8, 2017, at the age of 62. Jeanette was born on July 28, 1955 to William and Isabel (Holly) Schlies. Jeanette was the youngest of five and grew up on the family farm. She spoke fondly of her childhood on the farm, from raising chickens to taking cows to pasture. It is here where she learned her hard work ethic and love of family. She had a great love for animals, especially dogs. Jeanette graduated from Denmark High School in 1973 and then from Holy Family Nursing School in 1976. She was a caring and dedicated nurse at Bellin Hospital for 38 Years, retiring in 2015. She worked in Orthopedics, the GI Lab and Radiology. Jeanette created many friendships while at Bellin and truly enjoyed her job being able to help others. Jeanette began dating her partner in life and love, Bernard in 1973, they married on October 23, 1976 and just celebrated 41 years of marriage. The joy of Jeanette’s life were her three children; Erin, Brandon and Justin. She was very proud of them and of the adults they became. Jeanette instilled in her children the importance of family, friendship, faith and fun. Jeanette and Bernard raised their children in rural Denmark, providing them a nurturing and loving home. They took their children on many family trips. Jeanette loved to downhill ski, teaching numerous friends and family members sharing with them her love for the sport. Bernard and Jeanette took family and friends on many ski trips. These trips provided countless laughs and memories for everyone. Jeanette was a skilled gardener and was very proud of the family home, the flower beds, gardens and ponds that she and Bernard together created and added to over the years. She referred to their backyard as her sanctuary. Jeanette loved to quilt and her indoor sanctuary was her quilting room. It is here she created the most beautiful quilts. She enjoyed going on quilting retreats and giving her hand-crafted creations as gifts to loved ones. Jeanette was blessed with four grandchildren and so enjoyed spending time with them, in return her grandchildren loved spending time with their “Nana”. She was the most caring grandmother, always willing to watch the grandchildren. Jeanette cherished every minute she spent with them. Jeanette is survived by her husband, Bernard, and their children: Erin (Don) Rabitz, Brandon (Michelle) Wotachek, and Justin Wotachek; grandchildren: Jacob, Jonathan, and Joshua Rabitz, Madeline Wotachek; siblings: Diane (Gerald) Steinberger, Sandra (Wayne) Bradley, Kathleen (Myron) Kudick; sister in-law Janis Schlies; Bernard’s siblings: David Wotachek, Paul (Pat) Wotachek, George (Caroline) Wotachek, Kathy (Tony) Rathsack, Jerome (MaryJo) Wotachek, Barbara Wotachek, Raymond Wotachek, Joseph (Missy) Wotachek, Norbert (Faye) Wotachek, Ann (John) Fecteau, Donald (Tina) Wotachek; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, William and Isabel; in-laws: George and Adela, brother James, and nephew Matthew Steinberger. To her Grandchildren: Jacob, Jonathan, Joshua and Madeline…Nana loved you so much, her eyes lit up whenever she saw you and she treasured the time she spent with you. Wife, Mom and Grandma…You were taken from us too soon. We cherish all the time we had with you and the wonderful love you gave to us. You will live on forever in our memories and our hearts. Till we meet again. “They whom we love and lost are no longer where they were before. They are now wherever we are.” St. John Chrystostom Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home-Denmark Chapel, 536 County Rd R, Denmark, on Friday, December 15, from 3:30pm until 7:30pm. A parish prayer service will be at 7:30pm. Visitation will continue at St. James Catholic Church - Cooperstown, 18228 County Rd R, Denmark, on Saturday, December 16 from 9:00am until 10:30am. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30am with Fr. William O'Brien officiating. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. Jeanette’s family would like to thank the staff at Bellin Hospital, Bellin Oncology, and Unity Residence who helped care for Jeanette over the last month.

Reception:
Beverly Gardens
5911 Pine Grove Rd.
Denmark, WI 54208