Eva "Janet" DeVoe
June 04, 1927 - September 18, 2020
Obituary
MADISON – Eva Janet DeVoe, age 93, of Madison, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020. She was born on June 4, 1927, in Hartford, Wis., to Ralph and Lora (Beck) Winterhalter.
Janet graduated from Hartford High School in 1945 and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She met and married Robert “Bob” following his U.S. Army Air Corps duty in World War II when both were students at the UW. Janet worked as a journalist for several years and then taught at Elvehjem Elementary School for 22 years.
After retirement, Janet worked with her husband, Bob, in the antiques business. Known as Conestoga Antiques, they sold antiques in several malls. They later branched out to manage estate sales and conduct antique appraisals.
Janet and Bob enjoyed traveling together and spending their winters in Destin, Fla. She enjoyed hosting bridge club, book clubs, volunteering as a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), enjoying movie nights with her son, adventures with her daughter and spending quality time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Affectionately called Grandma Boo because of her terms of endearment, she always had a twinkle in her eye and will be dearly missed.
Janet is survived by her son, Steve; and daughter, Mary (Gary) Gutknecht; granddaughters, Kira (Marty) Kennedy and Leah (Marty) Grosse; and three great-grandchildren, Lucca Grosse, Isadore Kennedy and Leona Kennedy. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Winterhalter; and husband.
A private family service will be held. Family and friends who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Janet’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Watch Webcast link at 12 Noon, on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020.
Janet’s family would like to thank the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for their kindness and compassion. Memorials may be gifted in Janet’s name to Agrace HospiceCare or AAUW-Monona/Madison Branch. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Becky Lottes
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Steve, you never told me your Mom was Mrs. DeVoe from Elvehjem! I'm so sad to hear of her passing. I hope you and your family are comforted by all the good memories you had with your Mom.
Becky Lottes from DNR
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Cindy Manthe Schriber
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Mrs. DeVoe was my 3rd grade teacher in the early 60’s. I remember her with great fondness. A lovely lady, who was kind and patient. My condolences to the family.
KS
Kris Smith
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A special lady that most certainly did have a twinkle in her eye. She will be missed!
Sending warmest regards with sympathy to the entire family
Jerry and Kris Smith
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Kathy Barlow
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Your mom was my 4th grade teacher and my favorite teacher of all time. I was in her class when my special grandma died, back in 1969. I was heartbroken, and her kindness during that difficult time has stayed with me. And I’ll always remember her inviting Marlene Cummings to our class to discuss racism, sexism, and forms of prejudice that she encountered throughout her life. It was eye opening and I didn’t realize then, but your mom had given our class a great gift by bringing Mrs. Cummings to our class. Your mom was very special woman, and my deepest condolences are extended to your family.
PP
Patricia Bauer Payas
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Here's a memory... I taught with Jan back in the day when kids could dress like the pioneers to end a study of the settlement of the West .They modeled living in the West bringing their wagons and toy guns to school and having a "shoot- out" at recess. She taught me that the imagination is a very useful tool for making education real. She was an amazing teacher and a very kind person..
PB
peter behrens
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My sympathy Steve, remember both your folks