Jane Krantz

MIDDLETON - Jane Lucille (Odegard) Krantz walked into God’s presence on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, after a battle with cancer. Whether she was known as Jane, Janie, or Ms. Jane, she was a great friend and encourager to many people. She was also an amazing wife, Mom, Nonny, Nana, sister, and auntie to her family, all of whom she adored. Jane and her husband Greg spent 56 married years together until Greg’s passing four short years ago. As a young mother, Jane raised three children in Middleton, Wis., and worked part time at local restaurants. People visiting the Olde Stamm House would have found her serving with a smile and cadence of delivery that would impress any restaurant owner. She was also a second mom to many kids that she babysat for when her own kids were in school. The back door was always open at Ms. Jane’s and she was ready with some sort of snack for the friends of her kids that would drop by. Later in her career she worked at the Quisling Clinic in Middleton where she developed life-long friendships, all of whom are still very close. Later in her life, Jane worked for the UW Medical Foundation where she was a medical records data entry clerk until she retired. While she worked, and even after she retired, Jane took care of people. It was just what she did. Her willingness to listen to folks, and her approachable personality made her a magnet for people who needed a listening ear and friend. She loved coffee and conversation…and chocolate, and pastries, and Cheetos! Jane loved to fish and camp. She seldom missed opening day of trout season where she would wait, often in near freezing temperatures, for the first cast at Kahoots with her sister Marie and her family. There is an escape called Smokey Hollow where you could find Jane enjoying the comforts of her trailer, close to her extended family and the many friends she developed at her “home away from home.” She was known to make the long trek up north with Greg to Tony and Jan’s cabin where the peace and quiet of the woods could surround them. She loved having a place to “just listen to the quiet.” Jane often hung out and traveled with her children. Most recently they adventured to California in an RV so that Jane could see the Pacific Ocean and the many wonders along the way to and from the coast. She loved and surrounded herself with her grandchildren, making trips across the country to see them, and attending the many sporting events that were on the busy calendar. If spoiling grandkids were an Olympic sport, Jane was the gold medal recipient every year. Although Jane will be missed, she has left a memorable imprint on many lives that is precious to those who knew her. Jane will be missed most by her family. Surviving is her daughter, Cindy Krantz of Waunakee; son, Michael (Jill Rowe) Krantz of Pennsylvania; daughter, Jody (Greg) Greiber of Waunakee; and her grandchildren, Keenan and Kyler Krantz and Morgan and Adam Greiber. Jane’s wonderful sister is Marie Fink of Mount Horeb. She is preceded in death by her husband, Greg; her parents, Foster and Eva (Starczynski) Odegard; and her brother, Dale Odegard. Special thanks go to Agrace HospiceCare and their wonderful care staff and to BrightStar home care and their staff of amazing care givers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 12 noon on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. with Father Brian Wilk and Father Chris Gernetzke concelebrating. Friends and family who wish to view the Mass via LIVE STREAM may visit Jane’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 12 noon on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Thursday. In lieu of gifts, the family is asking that donations be made to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761