Myrna Jean Janowski

Myrna Jean Janowski (née Haight) has passed away peacefully.

She was born and raised in Saxeville, Wis., where she attended Saxeville Grade School and graduated as a Salutatorian from Wild Rose High School in Waushara County.

Myrna worked at Hardware Mutual Insurance Company (now Sentry Insurance), where she made history by achieving a 100 percent Accuracy Typing Test Award, the first in the company’s history. This achievement was recognized at her retirement on August 5, 2004, by Dale Schue, former CEO of Sentry Insurance.

A sports enthusiast, Myrna enjoyed both local and professional teams, including the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Stars, Blackhawks, Badgers, UWSP, NASCAR, Pacelli, SPASH, and various Portage County high school sports. She was an avid spectator at her son Mark’s volleyball games and Phil’s sponsored softball team. Myrna also attended Badger football bowl games in Florida, including the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Capitol One Bowl in Orlando, and Champs Bowl in Orlando. She enjoyed car shows, particularly to see Mark’s cars.

Myrna often spoke fondly of her “four sons,” including neighbors Carl Gollon and Jeffery G. Schultz. She was a Co-Den Mother for Cub Scout Troop Pack 295 in 1967-68 and played broomball with her Sentry co-workers at the Icodrome from 1973 to 1976. Myrna also enjoyed Black Friday shopping with her sister Jane and outings with the Sentry Birthday Club gals.

A patriotic individual, Myrna honored her cousin, James Hayes of Tiffon, Ohio, entombed in the USS Arizona, by saying prayers every December 7 (Pearl Harbor Day) for him and all who lost their lives on that fateful day.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Monica Gollon, Sally Gollon, Jane Gollon, Francine Gollon, Sunshine Laszewski, Helen Groskoph, Kathy Kosman, Susan Byrnes, Lori Kawa, Theresa Bucknell, Kevin Wanta, Jim Salvinski, Douglas Jezewski, Jeffery G. Schultz, Ann Schultz, Dan Dekay, Jose Villanova, Charlene Cyran, Jamie and Hillary Srouda, and numerous businesses and caregivers.

Special thanks to Chaplain Randy of St. Croix Hospice and Pastor Bob Olla of Living Word Church, Amherst, WI. The family is grateful to the caretakers at North Haven, Compassus, and Home Instead, especially Julie, Jamie, and Joe.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Myrna’s name may be made to Sentry School of Business (UWSP), AMETA Center (Mid State Tech College), Iola Old Car Show, Farm and Food Exploration Center, Ave Maria University, Dementia Research, Cancer Research, Cardiovascular Research, Diabetes Research, Portage County Cultural Festival, Green Circle Trail, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Myrna’s passing is deeply mourned by her son Mark, her sisters Jane and Dorothy, and former Sentry co-workers. She is now with Jesus in the Kingdom of God alongside her beloved husband Joe and many friends and relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, at St. Casimir Catholic Church, with Fr. John Potaczek officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Casimir Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. on Friday at St. Casimir Church until the time of Mass. The Pisarski Funeral Home of Stevens Point is honored to be serving the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.