Janet L. Olbrantz

Janet Lou Olbrantz, age 65, of Luxemburg, peacefully crossed over to meet with the Lord and be reunited with her late father on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Unity Hospice, where she was surrounded by family and loved ones. The daughter of Charles I. and Mabel L. (Sperber) Knutsen, Janet was born and raised in Sturgeon Bay, where she shared many memories with her family and childhood friends. At the early age of two, Janet’s father passed away due to a heart attack, and she was soon accompanied by her stepfather Carl, who she developed a bond with. Some of the main activities she enjoyed growing up were swimming at Otumba Park in the summer, water-skiing at a cottage in Dyckesville, and the occasional trips eating hamburgers at Kroll’s restaurant. Janet attended Sturgeon Bay High School and had a passion for decorating. After High School, she attended NWTC for interior design. During this period, Janet stayed with a roommate. Her roommate and another mutual friend would go on to arrange a “blind date” for her and her future husband, who she’d described as a “tall cutie” working at a local ShopKo. Her husband Jim remembers that she was initially shy, and specifically liked strawberry decorations at the time, recalling her wearing strawberry-printed pajama pants when he had first met her. They soon became inseparable. Janet and Jim would go on to have three children together and would later celebrate 41 years of marriage. Janet was a truly selfless person and was always concerned about meeting the needs of her family. She went out of her way to make sure everyone felt included. One of her most enjoyable side hobbies was shopping, in many cases buying gifts for others where she allowed her genuine creativity to be expressed. She loved to frequent thrift stores, and she would also match her purchases with thoughtful donations for those in need. She took great pleasure in being a grandmother, showering her grandchildren (Harper, Solomon, Marlowe, and Oliver) with love and gifts. A doting grandmother, she never said no to her kids or grandchildren, and always made time for those she loved. She showed a life led by kindness and she knew how to make people feel special. Janet taught her children the value of hard work and the importance of taking care of family. Her favorite activity was spending time with her family over holidays and birthdays. Janet is survived by her husband of 41 years, Jim Sr; children: James Jr., Jason (Chanel) and Justin (Karina); grandchildren: Harper, Solomon, Marlowe and Oliver; twin-sister Joyce Peterson, sister Judy Knutsen; and special friends, Carol and Beth. Janet is preceded in death by her parents: Charles and Mabel Knutsen; her stepfather Carl Nelson; and Jim’s parents: Sally and John Olbrantz. A private family service was held in memory of Janet Olbrantz, to honor her wishes. Burial in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Luxemburg. McMahon Funeral Home, Luxemburg, is assisting the family. www.mcmahonfh.com A special and sincere thank you goes to Unity Hospice for their amazing care. All personnel and staff members involved during her final fight with cancer were a Godsend when they were needed most, and their wonderful efforts made this a peaceful transition for not only Janet but the entire family.