Jannine "Jan" B. Rother, 66, Brillion, WI passed away Monday, October 5, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer. Her family was her life and happiness. She accepted having MS, not being able to walk, and eventually not being able to leave the house, with a smile. Always a smile.

Jan was born on August 20, 1960. Growing up Jan and her cousin, Becky were inseparable. The two were more like sisters than cousins and had a lifelong bond. Having each other was a good thing for them both. As a young girl, Jan was a talented figure skater. When she got a little older, she got her first car a maroon Plymouth Grand Turismo that she was so proud to call her own.

Jan met Ron Rother at a bowling alley childcare center. They went on a date, married on August 20, 1988, and the rest is history. Every year Ron planted a tree in a little forest. Having that forest and watching it grow brought Jan peace and provided fruit for many canned pears and applesauce. Besides canned goods Jan wasn't the best cook, and it was easy to convince her to go for dinner at Cracker Barrel.

She was once in an accident on a sharp corner by the house when a deer had run in front of the Suburban. Jan was the only person that survived. She wasn't wearing a seat belt and was thrown out the back window. Jan (and the deer) had no injuries and were fine. She really didn't like driving after that unless her mother, Marcy, really needed something. Before she limited her driving, Jan loved to travel with her mom and they especially enjoyed trips to see the trolls in New Glarus, WI. Jan cherished her trip taken to Norway and wanted to go back. Not visiting Norway again was her only regret. Jan loved her mother so deeply. It hurt her more than anything when Marcy passed. It was the only time I saw her cry.

She enjoyed soap operas, game shows, and Dancing with the Stars. Her favorite movie was Dirty Dancing and watched it every time it was on. Jan never wanted flashy things and wasn't materialistic. She was happy with simple things like her fuzzy animal slippers and was happy to be wearing them during her final days. Jan found happiness in the little things like the smell of the lilac tree next to the front window. She cherished the little moments like having her fingernails painted purple - her favorite color was purple. Jan had a big heart and loved to give. She gave the kids catalogs and had them circle things they wanted, and they would get some variation of that for Christmas. Jan donated to many different causes and always gave her daughter, Star any free calendars she received, as well as the cards and customized return labels.

Jan was stubborn with selective hearing and was never aware of her surroundings. After she got her wheelchair, she was constantly knocking into things. There was a significant learning curve with cabinets, walls, corners, etc. and Jan somehow managed to make it someone else's problem. Poor Justin and Denise. Someone needs to send them spackle and Home Depot gift cards to fix that all up! When Jan discovered games on her phone it turned into a fiasco. She hadn't realized that she was paying real money for all those extra spins!

She is survived by her children, Astarte (Jordan) Olson and Justin (Denise) Rother; brother, Randall (Diana Chaulklin) Kriofske; sister, Bonny (Jack) Baldwin Byal, sisters-in-law, Susan (Mark) Mertes, Barb (Mike) Klug, Lesa Rother; special cousin, Becky (Conrad) Nisiewicz; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that she loved so much.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald "Ron" Rother; grandson, Dakota Amos; mother, Marcia "Marcy" Kriofske; father, Ronald Kriofske; brother, Rick Kriofske; aunt, Carmen Vangsness; brother-in-law, Elmer Rother; her beloved cat, Snowy; and many other special, people and pets that she treasured.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Jan's home from 12pm - 5pm. We will be sharing her favorite foods at her favorite place to honor her. To view full obituary or send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Jan can be made to benefit Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. Online donations can be made directly at https://ssrhospicehome.org/online-donation/ .

Jannine's family would like to express gratitude to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their love and compassion.

Denise and Justin - Thank you! I could write "thank you" a million times and it wouldn't be enough. Mom asked me what I thought about Justin moving in and we took a leap of faith - it made mom's life so much better. I appreciate all you have done for Mom. Fighting for her safety and independence was a challenge. Without a doubt, you helped her live a much better life. Our last several years were so much happier with you there. You added great-grandkids and laughter back into the house. Jan lived for the grandkids and their smiles.

Becky - You went to mom's appointments with her and your amazing medical knowledge helped mom so much over the years. Mom didn't always understand the terminology, and it was nice to have you there for her. You have been there for everything, and I am so happy Jan, and you had each other and the bond that you did. Thank you for being there for her and spending time with her when mom needed company.