Janine Evon Anderson passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on April 23, 1964, she was the youngest of five children to Helen Horvath and Kenneth Anderson.

Janine grew up in a lively and loving home with her sisters, Kristy, Maya, K’lea, and Connie and April, her half-sibling. A daughter of a single mother, she learned resilience early and carried those lessons throughout her life. She had a mischievous side—always foul-mouthed and quick to use her middle finger, yet fiercely loving and dependable. Her sarcasm and occasional pickiness made her all the more endearing to those who knew her best.

Janine married Bruce after high school and welcomed her eldest daughter, Tiffany. Jessica and Jacob soon followed, and later, she completed her family with the birth of Lexi. Her children were her greatest pride and joy, and she was always there when they needed her—whether it was heartfelt advice or a quick, witty quip to brighten their day.

As life unfolded, Janine embraced her independence and found her footing. She worked at the local thrift store in Milltown, where her big heart and quick wit endeared her to coworkers and customers alike. The store won’t be the same without her infectious laugh and larger-than-life personality. She formed deep friendships and made an impact wherever she went, including sharing adventures with her best friend, Dawn, who shared a love of apple pie moonshine.

Janine’s life was full of beautiful contradictions—she loved Swedish dancing and clogging. She even had the privilege of dancing for the King of Sweden as a child but wasn’t exactly athletic as an adult (breaking her wrist roller skating during Ellen’s birthday party, and “Pepsi Down” incident are proof). She loved to travel, from visiting her sister Connie and Dave in Arizona and admiring the Salt River Wild Horses to taking family camping trips, spending summers at the beach, and enjoying the chaos of raising her kids outdoors.

Despite life’s challenges, Janine made the best of what she was dealt, finding happiness on her own terms. She loved her family deeply, and her grandchildren—Ellen, William, Elliot, Ian, and Ashlee—were the lights of her life. She was proud to share in Jess and Eric’s wedding, excitedly preparing for the day and cherishing every moment. When Jacob was in the hospital, she showed her unwavering strength, sitting by his bedside daily, holding his hand, and talking to him with love and hope. She was excited when Lexi started nursing school and Tiffany purchasing a home not far from her. Her children will always remember her warmth, her love of travel, and the way she made even the smallest moments unforgettable—like their last Christmas together, which was filled with joy and laughter.

Janine is preceded in death by her parents, Helen Horvath and Kenneth Anderson. She is survived by her children, Tiffany (Bob), Jessica (Eric), Jacob, and Lexi (Rey); her sisters, Connie, Kristy, Maya, K’lea and April; her five grandchildren, Ellen, William, Elliot, Ian, and Ashlee; and many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory.

Janine touched countless lives with her wit, kindness, and indomitable spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at Joy Lutheran Church (501 WI-35, Centuria, WI 54824) at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 1, 2025 with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

Last Update: Jan 23, 2025 1:25 pm CST