Janet M. Werner

Janet Mary Werner was born December 5, 1943 to Henry and Erna (Lehman) Lueck.

She married James Francis Werner on August 12, 1967 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church-Jefferson. They built a great life and raised two children together. She handled the business bookkeeping for their well drilling business and worked outside the home, too. She was employed at Wilson’s of Fort Atkinson, Krueger Jewelers, Fireside Gift Shop, and the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.

Her history with the Chamber: She was a past president in 1994, served six years on its Board of Directors before coming administrative assistant in 1997, and then Executive Director in 2002 until she retired  in 2015. Her retirement was brief, as she went to work at Hi-Way Harry’s and continued to work there until the month before her death.

Janet was always willing to help. Keeping active was her plan and it kept her body and mind strong and alert. Cancer slowed her down a few times over the past thirteen years, but never for long. She enjoyed cooking and baking, working outdoors, tending her flowers, and gardening.

She served on the Gemuetlichkeit Days board as treasurer, on the Rock River Free Clinic board, was a member of Jefferson Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, was presented Rotarian of the Year in 2010, was Rotary Club President in 2010-2011and 2023-2024, received the Service Above Self Award in 2014, was a member of the Jefferson County Tourism Council for 25 years, was a member of the Jefferson Historical Society, was co-chair for the fundraising for the Milwaukee Walk Street Bridge and Rotary Waterfront Bandshell and Concession stand which held a special place in her heart. She served on the City’s tourism committee, was ex-officio on the RDA and the Jefferson Area Arts Alliance Board and was  the Jefferson County Fair beverage manager for several years.

She was very honored and humbled to give back to the Jefferson community in so many ways, meeting so many great people along the way. She was inducted into the Jefferson County Fair Hall of Fame in 2022 and presented with the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026.

Family was also very important to her. She enjoyed being a Mom, Gram and Great Gram as she was called. Survivors include her daughter, Debra Werner of Middleton, son Michael (Rinal) of Fitchburg, granddaughter Lauren (Alec) Werner-Bromley of Edgerton, great-granddaughters Juniper & Mabel, grandson Cedric Michael Werner of Milwaukee, and grandson Vihaan James Werner ,and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her parents and sister Jean.

Janet was baptized, confirmed and remained an active member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, including the Eunice Society, Ladies Aid, and Alter Guild.

Memorials can be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rainbow Hospice, and Tomorrow’s Hope.

Her family expresses their sincere thanks to the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center and Turville Bay Radiation Oncology Center for their care over the years and most recently Fort Memorial Hospital and UW Health University Hospital for their care as her life came to a close. We also express our sincere thanks to the Jefferson community for all its support, not just in the last few weeks, but throughout her life as she partnered with all of you during so many community events. Your friendships with her kept her motivated to stay active and be the doer that she was. Thank you.

A Christian funeral service will be held at 12:00PM on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church with Rev. Peter Kesting presiding. Visitation will on Thursday from 9:00AM until the time of service at the church. She will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery following the funeral. 

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