Jeanette M. Montalto

Jeanette M. Montalto

December 18, 1928 - July 04, 2026

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Obituary

FITCHBURG - Jeanette Marie Montalto, age 97, of Fitchburg, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on December 18, 1928, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Henry Pahmeier and Louise (Burns) Pahmeier.


Jeanette graduated from East Hight in 1962. She dedicated 30 years to the retail industry and another 20 years to food service, where her kindness and friendly nature touched the lives of many.


Jeanette embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. She loved to dance and was known for getting friends and strangers out onto the dance floor. She was always the first one on the dance floor and often the last to leave it.  She was actively involved in her community as a longtime member of the Red Hat Society and the Italian Women’s Club, and she especially enjoyed the social activities at the Fitchburg Senior Center. Affectionately known there as "J-Lo,". She also proudly earned the title of Wii Bowling Champion.


Jeanette  is survived by her children, Kathy Phillips, Veronica Ostermeyer, Julie (Darrin) Ropp, Rita (Joe Perron) Montalto, Diana Krause, Jenifer (James) Parisi, Jeff (Todd Lucht) Montalto and John Montalto; grandchildren, Dena, Dawn, Tanya, Melinda, Giustina, Tony, Joe, and Rachele; great-grandchildren, Amanda, Tanner, Zachary, Emma, Jack, Thea, Ami, Vincent, Elaina, Landon, Rae, Sammi, Cooper, Ben, Issac, and Lawrence; and two great-great-grandchildren Finley and Miles.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Louise Pahmeier; brother, Henry (Rita) Pahmeier; sister, Dorothy (Don) Wersal; sons-in-law, Larry Ostermeyer, Steven Carpenter and Ron Krause.


A private graveside service will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fitchburg Senior Center. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002



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Jeanette
AM
A Memorial Tree was planted for Jeanette Marie Montalto
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Fitchburg
KJ
Kathleen Jordan
Other •
Jeanette was my dear neighbor at Chapel Valley Apartments for years. I was totally amazed at how much she did for herself even up in age… she was always going to the Senior Center, always was dressed just so with her nails polished and her makeup on. I was in awe of her because she would do her own laundry !!! Something I didn’t even do and I was years younger than her…Well it was a pleasure getting to know what little I did know about Jeanette; but she was one heck of a woman !!!! I’m glad you’re at peace now - you’ve done quite enough. You will be sorely missed !!!
LA
Laura Petranek Arneson
Other •
John, dear friend from St. Mary's Lightroom; Rita, friend from "the DBO" back in the day - So sorry to read about your Mother's passing - but at the same time, so happy for her - she finished the race! May she rest in eternal peace, and may she always dance in your hearts.
NC
Nancy Jones Custer
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Jeannette lived next door to us on Terry Place. I remember her smile, she always had a smile and was very soft spoken for a mother of so many children. My condolences to her entire family.
CP
Cindy Parisi
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Our sympathies from The Italian American Woman's Club. Janette was a long time member and I feel honored that I was able to recognize her membership at this year's Festa Italia.
PD
Phyllis DeGioia
Other •
What an absolutely lovely, kind woman. I've been honored to know her through the Italian-American Women's Club. What a joy to have known her.

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