Jaehnig, Janice Marie (Huhn) 1939 - 2022

JAEHNIG, HUHN, SEXTON, GOWDY-JAENIG, SHERRADEN, BOLGRIEN, CLIPPS, BRUNET

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 6/17/2022 at 15:41:36

Janice Marie Jaehnig, 82, died Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at Whalen Cabin in Phelps Park - Decorah at 1:00 p.m.

Janice “Jan” was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Helen and Clifford Huhn. Her father died when she was young; she was partially raised by her stepfather Charles Sexton after her mother remarried. She attended Catholic schools through the eighth grade. She was more likely to be found playing sandlot baseball with the neighborhood boys or exploring and fishing in the Fox River than studying her catechism. Jan graduated from Neenah High School in 1959. While there, she met her husband-to-be Manfred in biology class. They were married in 1959 and soon welcomed their only child, Mark.

Although Jan never attended college herself, she valued learning and supported Fred as he pursued further education. Once Fred had his doctorate, she worked with him in the field, lab and office. She loved working outdoors as they conducted archaeological fieldwork and surveys in Illinois and later in Washington and Oregon; every summer was a new adventure. Jan eventually owned and ran an archaeological survey company that employed Fred as Principle Investigator from 1986-1996. In their work they surveyed wilderness areas to identify historic and Native American sites. They camped and hiked during the week, returning home to restock and write reports.

In 2007, Jan and Fred moved to Decorah to be near family, who were delighted to have her presence in the stands, at concerts, and around their table. She made many new friends who appreciated her kindness, wit, laughter, and enthusiasm. She spent many enjoyable hours golfing and playing cards with them and the score was always less important than the fun.

Jan is survived by her husband Manfred “Fred” and son Mark (Christine), all of Decorah; grandchildren Alexandra (Collin Sherraden) Gowdy-Jaehnig, Phillipa Gowdy-Jaehnig, and Bjorn (Anna Bolgrien) Gowdy-Jaehnig, all of Minneapolis; a sister Sharon Clipps in Florida; and a sister-in-law Dee (Pat) Brunet in Wisconsin.

A celebration of her life is being planned for June. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Decorah Public Library or Decorah Parks Department in her name.

Source: Helms Funeral Home database