Janice Brittnacher

Janice A. Brittnacher, age 74, of De Pere, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, May 16, at St. Vincent Hospital.

Jan was born on October 16, 1951, in Greenleaf to the late Vincent and Loretta (Bethke) Fritsch. On May 19, 1971, she married Dennis Brittnacher at St. Mary Catholic Church. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and friendship.

Jan dedicated many years of her career to crafting contact lenses at Shopko Optical of work, she found joy in caring for her flowers and gardens and loved spending time outdoors. Whether swimming, biking — most recently on her new trike — hiking, walking, or taking waterfall tours, Jan embraced every adventure with enthusiasm. She especially enjoyed traveling with friends and never passed up the chance to stop for ice cream or a rummage sale.

In recent years, Jan discovered a love for camping with her family. She was always prepared with Peeps for campfire s’mores and enjoyed making campfire popcorn, one of her favorite treats. She treasured time spent playing cards, dominoes, and bingo with family and friends. Before COVID, Jan was deeply involved in her church community, a reflection of the strong faith that guided her life.

Jan had an incredibly caring and generous heart, often putting others before herself. She was an optimist who always looked for the good in people. Above all else, she loved her family deeply. Family gatherings brought her great happiness, and she rarely missed her grandchildren’s sporting events, musical theatre performances or an opportunity to attend a tractor pull. She also expressed her love through cooking and baking — if someone mentioned a favorite dish or dessert, Jan would happily make it to share.

Her warmth, kindness, zest for life, and unwavering love for others will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to remember her are her husband, Dennis, children; Jennifer (Thor) Van Rossum and Brian (Vicky) Brittnacher, grandchildren; Wyatt (Lauren) Van Rossum, Lauren Van Rossum, Derek (Michaela) Van Pay, Dylan Brittnacher and Laney Brittnacher. Janice is further survived by her siblings; James (Debbie) Fritsch, Joyce (Roger) Van Zeeland, Jerry (Rhonda) Fritsch, Junior (Barb) Fritsch and Jean (Paul) Petersen, brothers and sisters in law; Diane Lemerond, Mark (Connie) Brittnacher, Joli (Doc) Clark and Darcy Brittnacher as well as many nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives and friends, especially her constant companion, Baily.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her brother, John Fritsch, brother in law, Gregg Brittnacher and mother and father in law, Norbert and Marion Brittnacher.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, May 22, 2026, at St. Clare Catholic Parish, St. Mary site 2218 Day Street, Greenleaf, WI 54126 from 9:30am until the time of service at 11:30. Fr. Santy Turiano officiating. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at St. Vincent Hospital 9th floor, Oncology and ICU. Also, to Unity Hospice for the wonderful care given to Janice. To the St. Vincent Hospital volunteers and clergy, and Fr. Bob Kabat and Deacon Ken Kabat, whose visits made her so happy. Additional thanks to Cotter for assisting the family.