JANICE THORNELL
April 23, 1937 - October 23, 2017
Obituary
Janice Ann Thornell, age 80, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Oct. 23, 2017 in Appleton, WI after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born in Manitowoc, WI, to Martha and Harold Kramer. Janice was a 1955 Lincoln High School graduate, and then went on to nursing school. She married Jerry Thornell and together they had five children.
Janice retired from Kimberly Clark in 2000 and spent the next years traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal and wherever her children and grandchildren were living. She loved taking cruises and especially enjoyed the trip on the Queen Elizabeth II to Bermuda. Janice loved everything to do with water… swimming, boating, and walking on the beach. Other favorite activities were scrapbooking, dancing, playing cards and board games, being outside in nature, holding her cats and volunteering at St Bernard Church; Community Clothes Closet, United Reading for Success and most faithfully raising her children and her precious grandchildren, fondly calling her "G-Ma".
She was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and Harold Kramer; a brother Dan Kramer and his son, Nathan; and son in law, Paul Ehlers. Janice is survived by her five children: Cathy (Mathew) Dokoupil, Grand Junction, CO, Julie Thornell, Appleton, WI, Mike (Kim) Thornell, Antigo, WI, Tim Thornell, Grand Junction, CO, Jerriann Ehlers (Steve) Van Epern, Greenville, WI; twelve grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Tom (Lynn) Kramer, Anchorage, AK; and a sister-in-law, Linda Kramer, Manitowoc, WI.
A celebration of Janice' beautiful life and her many attributes that will live on joyfully in those who knew her will be held on a boat this summer on Lake Michigan.
The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Heartwood Homes where she resided the past two years, and the outstanding care given occasionally by Home Instead Senior Care. A very special Thanks to a dear friend, Shirley Quella, who dedicated many days a week going over and loving on Jan. Shirley gave Jan the opportunity to go on outings to all of Jan's favorite places; they walked, explored, enjoyed picnics, sang & danced, and prayed together. Another good & faithful friend, Terry Quirk, also lovingly visited Jan weekly."No need to cry my loved ones, no need to shed your tears. Though you may not actually see me, I will Always be quite near!”
Mom, we await your unending hugs the day we greet you in Heaven...