Janet M. Bartlein (nee Drewek) left her earthly home for her heavenly home on Sunday, March 12, 2023. She enjoyed the company of family and friends for 94 years. She was born in Milwaukee to John and Josehpine (nee Gibas) Drewek on August 7, 1928.

On August 23, 1947 she married the love of her life, Robert Bartlein. They were married a little over 74 years. Bob passed away in November 2021.  Jane missed him every day. Together they raised seven children: Theresa (Dick) Thoune, Mark (Kathleen Nett), John, Matthew, Luke (Sue Mniszewski) Roberta (Bill) Locher and Christopher (Colleen). Terry and Chris preceded Jane in death.  Jane and Bob had thirteen (13) grandchildren, thirty seven (37) great grandchildren and one (1) great-great grandchild.  She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

Bob joined the Milwaukee Fire Department and Jane stayed home to raise the kids.  She became an excellent manager of time and talents.  Stretching paychecks by clever cooking and baking, mending and taking care of the household, she made the house a home.  When they built a cottage on Okauchee Lake the fun and meals were transported to a water wonderland of fishing, swimming and cookouts enjoyed by family and friends.

When Bob retired from the MFD they moved to L’Anse in Upper Michigan.  More fishing, more cooking and more guests to enjoy the north woods.  Jane was grounded in her Catholic faith.  It sustained her, encouraged her and gave her a sense of mission as Bob and Jane started a St. Vincent De Paul store to provide resale items for area residents with financial difficulties.

They left the north woods for sunny Florida for a brief while but returned to the Madison area and we were glad they did. More family gatherings. More cooking and card games.

They spent their final years in Oconomowoc and were members of St. Jerome’s Catholic church. When Bob was gone, Jane still managed to live an independent life at the Berkshire.  She took care of Matt and enjoyed bingo with her lady friends.  She always welcomed kids and grandkids for visits.

She passed away in peace, ready to meet her Lord, having made a good confession with Father Gibson.

Thanks to AngelsGrace Hospice who cared for her at the end.

Memorial visitation will be held Friday April 21, 2023 at St. Jerome Catholic Church 995 S. Silver Lake St. Oconomowoc from 10 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Inurnment will follow at St. Jerome Cemetery. For those unable to attend please click the link below to watch the Mass.

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