Janice Barbra (Ransom) VanNatta “GiGi”, 83, packed up her boots peacefully to finally be with her beloved husband Garlan of 56 years on September 7, 2022.
Janice was born August 6, 1939 in Mt Ida, Wisconsin to John B and Minnie (Scholl) Ransom. She graduated from Fennimore High School and went on to the UW Madison to become an X-ray Technician. Janice married the love of her life, Garlan John VanNatta, on November 21, 1959, together they were blessed with three children, Christine, Todd and Alan whom they were so proud of.
Garlan and Janice moved to Monroe in 1964 where they raised their children. She worked for many years as an X-ray Technician at Monroe’s St. Clare Hospital. Janice was involved in many extracurricular activities outside of work. Some of them were the Woman’s Auxiliary, Moose Lodge the Stateline Square Dancers, several softball leagues, a Den Mother for Boy Scout Troop 101, a Girl Scout Leader and even enjoyed racing go karts in Brodhead, Wisconsin.
In 1978 they moved to Northern Wisconsin, settling first in Lake Tomahawk. In 1979 they started VanNatta plumbing where she worked in the office. Her “Up North” hobbies included playing pool league for Happy Daze in Lake Tomahawk and snowmobiling with the Lake Tomahawk Sno-Fleas. She was a lover of a good book and good movie and spending time with her grandchildren.
As retirement came upon them, they spent many years traveling throughout the world and the United States, along with their many “fur babies”. They found the most joy in Southern Texas. In the many years they spent there as “Winter Texans”, they made many friends that became family. Gar and Jan spent a lot of time square dancing together, but the most joy came when family would come to visit them.
Janice is survived by her loving children; Christine (Mike) Barenklau, Todd (Rebecca) VanNatta and Alan (Kris) VanNatta; grandchildren and great grandchildren: Caleb (Meghan) Riese, Jordy and Bodhi, Chelsey (Steve) Ihm, Georgia and Ruby, Crae (Lyndsey) Riese, Jennings, Shaw, Laingen, Posey, Brandon (Stephanie), Graham, Olive, A.J. (Caitlin) VanNatta, Jesse, Alex (Kaitlyn) VanNatta, Kynlee, Michael (Jessica) VanNatta.
Janice is preceded in death by her husband Garlan (where now they are forever square dancing and waltzing); her parents and brother Jerald Ransom.
A private family service will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Rennes Health and Rehab Center for their wonderful care for the last three and a half years.
Bolger Funeral Home is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences
