Janet Louise Gitzen (Lutz) of Clayton, WI, formerly of Eagan, MN was peacefully called to Heaven on May 29, 2025 at her memory care facility in Amery, WI. She celebrated her 80th birthday this year with family and friends being born on March 1, 1945 in Houlton, Maine to John O. Lutz and Janet L. Hanson. They relocated quite a bit due to her father's Navy career, residing in Pennsylvania for many years, then eventually ending up in Minnesota.

Jan graduated from Henry Sibley High School in West St. Paul MN and earned her bachelor's degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She was a caring devoted teacher for 36 years, mainly teaching elementary children primarily focused on the 4th grade, only retiring to take care of her grandchildren whom she adored. She was loved by all of her students, many even visiting her years after they had been taught by her previously, while also earning her a nomination for Teacher of the Year. After her retirement, she volunteered as an aid for teachers at Clayton Elementary School in Clayton WI, still showing her dedication to teaching.

Jan was a loving mother to her three children. She loved traveling the Caribbean on cruises with her family. She could cook a tasty noodle cake. She also loved visiting her many grandchildren and cheering for them at their sports, watching their music concerts and all of their other extracurricular activities.

Janet is preceded in death by her father, John O. Lutz, mother, Janet L. Hanson, and sister, Jacalyn Margittay.

Janet is survived by her loving husband Thomas Gitzen, who remained by her side until she passed, as they were married in 1968 celebrating 57 years of marriage this past year. Children and grandchildren, John (Annie) Gitzen of Clayton WI, Thomas, Logan, Willa; Joe (Sarah) Gitzen of Madison SD, Gabe & Genesis; & Jessie Gitzen of Milwaukee WI, and Kai.

A celebration of life will occur at a later date.

"The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you, shall never pass away."

Last Update: May 30, 2025 12:51 pm CDT