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

Jeanette M. Montalto

December 18, 1928 - July 04, 2026

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