Janice Brown

Janice K. Brown

February 20, 1942 - September 26, 2024

Janice K. Brown, aged 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of September 26, 2024, at Brewster Village in Appleton, Wisconsin, surrounded by the compassionate care of Moments Hospice and the Brewster Village team.

Born to Dorothy and Leonard Schnabl on February 20, 1942, in Appleton, Wisconsin, Janice was a proud graduate of Seymour High School. She grew up on the family farm on Schnabl Road in Black Creek, WI, where she developed a love for nature and community. Janice spent many years as a certified nursing assistant in the Kohler, WI area, where her kindness and dedication touched countless lives.

Those who knew Janice fondly remember her love for music, flowers, birds, and dogs. She was an enthusiastic storyteller, a bingo champion, a gifted botanist, and an avid photographer. Janice's passion for travel led her to explore new places, while her love for birdwatching always brought her back to the red cardinals that brightened her world in Wisconsin.

In recent weeks, Janice found joy in reminiscing about her life with her daughter, Janine, sharing cherished stories of her sons in North Carolina and the many friends and family members who meant so much to her. She took comfort in the daily phone calls from her youngest son, Dean Brown, whose words lifted her spirits and who kept her supplied with dot-to-dot drawings and word puzzles books that kept her entertained. Her eldest son, Robert Brown, MD, was a constant pillar of support, caring for her over the years-a source of great pride for Janice.

Janice also found joy in the company of her brother Len and his wife Joyce Schnabl of Oshkosh, WI, and her sister Jacquelyn Schnabl Danzinger, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories. Her dear friend Bonnie Markus and her dog, Molly, became Janice's loyal companions, taking her on her favorite drives around Kohler and Black Creek. She delighted in the stories of her childhood and high school days, often laughing with her classmate and cousin, Jane Cleven, and her lifelong friend, Gerry Hofacker Nelson. Even in her final days, Janice's humor shone through as she fondly recalled her high school yearbook quote: "Wind me up and let me talk," her eyes sparkling with joy.

Janice's cousin Sarah frequently visited and shared her love of horses, introducing Janice to Blitz, Sarah's horse, on a recent outing. At Seymour High, Janice had been an active student, serving as president of the FHA club and participating in chorus, forensics, and the yearbook staff. She spoke often of her mother, Dorothy Schnabl, and the treasured memories of local 4-H events culminating in her attendance to 4H club Congress. Janice was active as a 4-H leader as well as a leader for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. One of the most heartwarming moments of her final days was reconnecting via FaceTime with her lifelong friend Mae Krause from Huntington Beach. Janice and Mae had been pen pals since they were nine years old-an incredible friendship that spanned 73 years.

Janice was a passionate bingo player and a devoted Milwaukee Bucks and Green Bay Packers fan. She cheered for her beloved Packers until her final days, hugging her "Penny the Packer Penguin" during their victory over the Titans. "Go Pack Go!" she would cheer, a sentiment that filled her last days with joy.

On her final day, Janice enjoyed an outing with her daughter, Janine, sitting outside in the warmth of a beautiful autumn afternoon, watching the birds and squirrels around Brewster Village. She chose greeting cards herself, dictating heartfelt messages for Janine to share with loved ones-a touching gesture that symbolized her desire to express her love and gratitude to those closest to her. She savored some of her favorite foods and embraced her final moments with grace and love.

Janice is survived by her brother, Len Schnabl and his wife Joyce; her sister, Jacquelyn Schnabl Danzinger; her niece, Rachel Mathis; her nephew, Joshua Danzinger; and her three children, Robert Brown, M.D., of Asheboro, North Carolina, Janine Brown, of Camas, Washington, and Dean Brown of Asheboro, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Dorothy Schnabl.

In accordance with Janice's wishes, no funeral services will be held. Instead, a celebration of her life will be organized by her family in the spring. Janice's interment will be at Appleton Highlands Memorial next to her parents. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter. She loved her own dogs as well as many grand-dogs over the years.

Online condolences may be expressed to Janice's family at www.muehlboettcher.com