Janet Lee Peterson Hornback

Janet Lee Peterson Hornback

February 16, 1945 - May 31, 2023

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Obituary

MCFARLAND- Janet passed away on May 31, 2023, 78 years young, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg.  During the 18 days at Agrace, many friends and family surrounded her with love and shared many memories.

Janet was born in Portage, the daughter of Harold Vernon and Agnes Janet (More) Peterson. She received her teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She then taught physical education for 24 years. After returning to school, she worked for the State, having numerous brief jobs that created many silly stories: at DILIHR, University Hospital, and the UW-Madison Graduate School, where she retired in 2011.

Janet and Vernon Hornback had three wonderful sons, Vernon III “Skip”, Shannon and Troy.

Jan is survived by her sons, Shannon (Kristina Crapp) and Troy; granddaughters, Heather (Alex Hollister) and Holly (Nick Westby); grandson, Kaleb Hornback; great-grandchildren, Skylar and Quinn Hollister, Clyde and Baby Westby (due in September); Sue Hornback; and Jan’s beloved four-legged companion, PeeWee. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Skip; and “sister”, Rita Mears.

Janet enjoyed family time, swimming, kayaking, biking, skiing, and hiking. She loved to travel, read, listen to music, and share all her adventures with family and friends. She was an avid sports fan, and especially loved the Wisconsin Badgers.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose; for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” - Helen Keller

To my dear Cheryl- Here's to us, to all that has been said and all that hasn’t. Here’s to the past and to the future, but most of all... here’s to the present. I’m glad we shared so many amazing times together. We have been blessed. Love you forever.

We want to extend our thanks to all the family and friends that visited her and to the Agrace staff for the wonderful care they provided.

A celebration of life and potluck will be held at DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK, WHITE PINE SHELTER, S5975 Park Road, Baraboo, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Memorials may be gifted in Janet’s name to: Friends of Wisconsin State Parks and Trails, UW Carbone Cancer Center or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420




Events

24
Gathering
Sat Jun 24, 2023 @ 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM CDT
Devil's Lake State Park, White Pine Shelter • S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913
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Memorial wall photo

Memories

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Janet
MW
Mike Wisniewski
Other •
Armistead Maupin published a series of humorous novels, many with the title of "Tales of the City", that were serialized in the "San Francisco Chronicle". Many, many people read them. Jan and I both shared that. And of anyone I have ever known, Jan's life was truly what can be called "Maupinesque"! Her sharing and reactions to her many experiences were always amazing and we would laugh and laugh and laugh! Her view of life was always upbeat. I treasure her getting the nickname "Pineapple Pants" given to her by her grand-daughter, I believe "Heather", when Jan spilled a pineapple sundae on her pants one day while on a lunch break from the Graduate School. I adopted the use of that name to Jan endlessly. Although I don't believe I have ever met you, thanks Heather! I joked many times with Jan about her being just over one month older than myself with the playfulness of "age before beauty" and "beauty before age" (Jan scored 1st in both)! We even celebrated our 50th year with an 8 foot long sandwich which we carried up Bascom Hill from Subway to treat the Grad School staff. And we did it again marking our 65th... photo attached. As stated in the obit, love is eternal and because of that Jan continues to live in our hearts... Requiescat In Pace Pineapple Pants! I can see that smile indelibly etched in my mind's eye until we meet again! Mike Wisniewski
SW
Sandi Wysock
Other •
I am so sorry that I won’t be able to join you for the memorial service to extend my condolences in person. It is the Spring Green art fair weekend. Jan was such a kind and joyful person. We will miss her.
TS
Tamara Seeker
Other •
So glad to have known Jan. Her great smile, quick wit and positive attitude brought joy to all who cared for her. She loved Cheryl and her family & friends so well. She will live on in many hearts forever.
MB
Marge Burke
Other •
Sorry to hear about Janet's passing. I was a high school friend of Janet's. We shared many classes and band. We also attended La Crosse for our freshman year of college. I remember sneaking across the street from the HS and having a few sips of Janet's dad 's Mogan David (high class drinkers that we were). We then filled the bottle with water so her dad would never guess his bottle was used. Most recently Janet sent me a Facebook note about a year ago when my husband died. She was a good friend I will never forget. Marge Messer Burke
WY
Wayne & Molly Yocum
Other •
We are sorry to hear of Janet's passing. The good memories of her will help you through your sadness. You are in our hearts, and our thoughts!
HD
Heather Daniels
Other •
I'm so sorry to hear about Jan's passing. I enjoyed working with her at the Graduate School. I recall lots of smiling and laughter, which is always a good thing at work. Sending my thoughts to her family during this difficult time.

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