Ruth Catherine Janecek

STOUGHTON- A golden heart stopped beating on June 25, 2011 when Ruth left this world to begin her life with the Lord in heaven. Ruth Catherine was born in Milwaukee on January 11,1920, the third daughter of Louis and Frieda Moeller. She graduated from Washington High School and then began working at First Wisconsin Bank, where she met her life-long friends "the Bank club" who got together nearly every month for over 40 years to play cards. Ruth married John Groschel in Milwaukee in 1952. John passed away in 1958, leaving Ruth with two young children. In 1960, Ruth married Milton Janecek and became a mother to his four children. Through hard work, dedication, humor and a strong faith in God they created a family of love for their six children. In 1975 as "empty nesters", Ruth and Milt moved to Wausaukee, Wisconsin. During their years in "the Northwoods", they shared gardening, volunteer work, winter travels and a community of new friends. Ruth and Milt moved from Wausaukee to a condo in Stoughton in 1996. They joined the St. Ann's Catholic Church family, attended daily Mass, and frequently enjoyed breakfast and fellowship with their new friends. Following Milt's death in 1999, and due to failing vision, Ruth moved into assisted living at the Skaalen Heritage Center in Stoughton. There she became known as the"sweet, gracious lady" who so generously shared her lovely smileand heartfelt hugs. Her reunion in heaven with family includes husbands, John Groschel (1958) and Milton Janecek (1999); sisters, Elvira (Ralph) Anderson and Gertrude (Tom) Luitink; sisters-in-law Anna (Ray) Gottfried, Julie (Bud) Williamson and Helen Janecek; and nieces Joyce McQuade and June Collins. Survivors include her children sons, John (Debbie) Janecek of Mountaintop, PA, James (Sharon) Janecek of Dale City, VA and John (Kathy) Groschel of Nakomis, FL; daughters, Mary (Jim) Ark of Stoughton, WI, Jean (Bill) Ganzer of Estero, FL and Joan (Lloyd) Hanson of Dallas, TX. Ruth is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, niece Lynne (Bill) Coughlin of Livonia, MI, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews and many friends. Special thanks to the wonderful "second family" of caregivers at Skaalen Heritage Center, the Hospice team, as well as the dedicated, tender-hearted Brightstar CNAs, all of whom treated Ruth with dignity and love. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. ANNS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 323 N. Van Buren Street, Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2011, with Monsignor Gerard Healy presiding. Interment will be at St. Anns Catholic Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at St. Anns Catholic Church. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in Ruth's memory to St. Ann Church, 320 N. Harrison St. Stoughton, WI, 53589. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in Ruth's memory to St. Ann Church, 320 N. Harrison St. Stoughton, WI, 53589. Cemetery: Interment will be at St. Anns Catholic Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at St. Anns Catholic Church. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. ANNS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 323 N. Van Buren Street, Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2011, with Monsignor Gerard Healy presiding.