Janice Marie Oeffler, age 82, entered into her eternal life on June 28, 2023, while hospitalized in Rochester, MN. Janice was born on June 4, 1941, to Marvin and Lila Nelson, Milltown WI. She was baptized and raised in Milltown Baptist church. Janice’s class was the first class to graduate from the newly formed Unity High School in 1959. She met her future husband, James Oeffler at the Frederic Roller Rink and were married on October 17, 1959. Together they enjoyed traveling for Jim’s work as a salesman. They raised four children: Sue, Sally, Ted and Pam.

In 1976, they moved to Frederic, WI and bought the flower shop and greenhouses. They owned and operated Oeffler’s Flower Shop, greenhouses and landscaping for 21 years before daughter, Sally bought it and renamed/relocated it to the Rose Garden. Jim and Jan were caretakers for Lacek’s lake lodge in Danbury for 8 years and then finally retired and moved back to Frederic. They loved Frederic and everything associated with it, the people, community, events and just the feeling of “home” for them. Jim and Jan loved to travel and often would go on day trips or visit their children for extended times.

Jan also loved to sew (she brought her sewing machine along on several camping occasions), craft, camp, travel, bowl and play Bridge. Jan volunteered with Girl Scouts and church. She loved to entertain and delighted in cooking at Lacek’s Lodge for the guests as part of her caretaker role. Jan was a Master Gardener and enjoyed sharing her skills of gardening and flower arranging with other people. She loved to cook and preserve food from her garden. Jan enjoyed creating new recipes and entered a few contests. She won first place in Nabisco beef contest and was selected in the top 100 at Pillsbury for her Moonbeam cookies.

Church was her other happy place. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible school, and youth group. She was a long time member of St. Luke’s UMC. Jan was a member of the United Methodist Women and evening circle. Jan served on SPRC at St Luke’s, prepared lots of food for Wednesday night church and other church events. She served as liturgist and on many occasions, she was the backup preacher/worship leader when the pastor was not available.

Janice is survived by children, Rev. Susan Oeffler of Eagan, MN, Sally (Duane) Miller of Hayward, WI, Theodore (Jolene) Oeffler of Eau Claire, WI, Pamela (Rich Wahls) Oeffler of Woodbury, MN. 10 grandchildren, Stephanie (Lance) Williamson of Frederic, Curtis (Aubrey) Brown of St. Cloud, MN, Ryan (Kristi) Rose of Woodbury, MN, Chelsey Brown of Colfax, WI, Katie Rose of Frederic, Chad (Jen) Brown of Hastings, MN, Alexander Oeffler of Eau Claire, WI, Abigail Oeffler of Eau Claire, Hannah and Evan Wahls of Woodbury, MN. 13 great-grandchildren, Emersyn, Beckett and Hayzel Brown, Mason and Everly Brown; Megan, Mason and Logan Williamson; Tristen and Payten Rose; Corbyn, Addi and Remi Rose. Sisters Renaye Johnston of Skiatook, OK, and Gloria (Dick) Palmer of Simpsonville, SC, Sandy (Daniel) Schmidt of Woodbury, MN. Brother: Gary (Theresa) Nelson of St Croix Falls, WI. Brother in law- Gary Sturm of St. Paul, MN and Sister in law Donna (Leo) Holm  of Balsam Lake, WI. And many nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Jan is preceded in death by her husband, James Oeffler, her parents, brother John Nelson, brother in laws- John Oeffler and Lawrence Johnston. Sister in laws- Jill Nelson and Sue Sturm.

A Celebration of Life will be on July 29, 2023, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Frederic, WI. Visitation at 10 am and service at 11 am. Arrangements are being handled by Rowe Funeral Homes in Frederic, WI. Memorials can be given to St Luke’s UMC and Alzheimer’s Association.

You are invited to leave condolences, memories, and photos at www.rowefh.com.

Last Update: Jul 07, 2023 11:59 am CDT