Janet H. W. Ring

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Janet Harriet Warren (Hauck) Ring, 94, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, who died peacefully at her home on January 30, 2025. Janet was born on November 13, 1930, in Madison, MN, the fourth child of Arthur and Hilder (Polly) Hauck. Janet loved growing up in the small town of Madison in western Minnesota where her family ran Hauck’s Department Store for many years. She graduated from Madison High School in 1948.

Janet went on to attend Macalester College in St Paul, MN graduating in 1952 with a BS in Elementary Education. It was at Macalester where she met Duane Ring, and they were married on December 21, 1952, in her beloved Madison, Minnesota … Lutefisk Capital USA … a wonderful community she adored.

She was a dedicated elementary school teacher for 6 years in Saint Paul until 1961 when Duane’s job with Northwest Bancorporation took them to Albert Lea, Minnesota. They lived in Albert Lea for 3 years before moving to La Crosse, Wisconsin where Duane would work and become President of Norwest Bank of La Crosse until his retirement in 1996. Janet was a great ally and asset to her husband in his career.

Janet was blessed with two sons, Duane W. Ring Jr. born in St. Paul, MN and David W. Ring born in Albert Lea, MN, and a daughter, Mary Ellen, born in La Crosse. Her kids cherished their mother with her common-sense approach to life, caring, positive, and nurturing demeanor, wonderful sense of humor, and amazing wit. She enthusiastically supported her children and grandchildren in all their school, athletic, dance, scouting, and work activities. Her vocal cheering often caught the attention of referees at sporting events, which she was delighted to see.

She loved a good practical joke or limerick and passed this love on to her children and grandchildren. She would often bet with her Packer friends always picking her home state Minnesota Vikings to beat the Packers which earned her the name “Vivian Viking.” Despite her valiant efforts to convert her sons to be Viking fans, they resisted and remain loyal Packer fans.

Janet's wonderful sense of humor and unrelenting power of positivity provided support to her family and friends. She always faced adversity with her trademark upbeat attitude, positive outlook on life, and her mantra, “Let a smile be your umbrella!”

Janet was a voracious reader who enjoyed both fiction and non-fiction. Being well-read, she enjoyed conversing with family and friends about her latest book. With her passing, there will likely be a significant drop in book sales! She also had a deep passion for music and loved singing, playing the piano, and listening to the First Congregational Church choir. She also had a lifelong affinity and collection of butterflies.

Jan was a long-standing member of the First Congregational Church where she served in the church guild and helped with special events like the annual rummage sale, baking for funerals, and sharing fellowship. Jan’s grace, class, love of life, positivity, and empathy touched everyone she knew even while struggling with Alzheimer’s. She always led by example and never complained, always fighting any hurdle or obstacle head-on with optimism, dignity, and humor.

Janet was called Nana by her grandchildren, who she loved dearly, and they in turn adored her. Memories of silly songs, piano playing, practical jokes, and lots of advice still resonate with each of them even though they are now adults. She loved nothing more than to have her sons, daughters-in-law, and grandkids all gathered.

She had a uniquely close relationship with her daughters-in-law, and they thought the world of her. Many friends and family commented through the years how fortunate she was to have that bond.

She loved a good tennis match and played often, even winning the La Crosse Country Club’s “mixed doubles tournament.” She also cherished longtime friends, including her bridge club which stayed together for over 40 years. She valued all the fun times she spent with her family and friends at their cottage on Lake Arbutus (where she stained every cedar board when the cottage was constructed in 1979) and at their condo in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Janet always thought of others first. She served on the Family and Children’s Center’s Board of Directors and was a philanthropic supporter with her husband of many non-profit organizations in the La Crosse region.

Our family extends our sincere thanks and appreciation to Gundersen Health System, Drs. Margaret Webster and Mary Bassing, for their excellent medical care, her amazing and skilled caregivers, Joan, Becky, Ashley, and Jenna, as well as the caring Gundersen Health Hospice staff and harpist.

Janet was a supportive wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a friend to all. Jan will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her joyous spirit, continuous optimism, and genuine care and concern for others will be her legacy that will live on in all of us and provide us with peace, comfort, support, and joy. Janet - wife, mother, grandmother, and friend - until we meet again, “Let a smile be your umbrella!” We love you!

Janet was preceded in death by her beloved parents Arthur and Hilder (Polly) Hauck, siblings Margaret (Monte) Matheson, Nancy (Jim) Maguire, Charles (Phyllis) Hauck, and daughter Mary Ellen Brandau. In addition, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Merriam and Gene Ring, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Colonel Richard Ring and Mina Ring, and her beloved dogs, Dackery I and II, grand dogs, Luke and Boomer, and grand cat, Winni, preceded her in death.

Janet is survived by her husband of 72 years, Duane Ring Sr., sons Duane Jr. (Patti) Ring of Wayzata, MN, and David (Denise) Ring of Onalaska, WI. Also, by grandchildren Marianne (Charlie) Bennett, Carolyn Ring, Mariah (Kieran) Gordon, and Scott (Zoe) Ring. And three great-grandchildren; Vivian and Franklin Bennett, and Baby Gordon (due June 4, 2025).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her name to First Congregational Church, Coulee Region Humane Society, Gundersen Medical Foundation, Family and Children’s Center, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2503 Main Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. at the church, with a celebration of life and reception at The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern to follow from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Private burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse is assisting the family.