Janet G. Magsamen

MADISON -Janet G. Magsamen (nee Strassman), age 69, died on Sunday, May 27, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare from complications of ALS. Janet was born in Verona, Dec. 9, 1942, and was baptized Christmas Day at St. Andrews, Verona.

She was the third child of Henry A. Strassman and Ernestine Ann Brannen Strassman. Janet was proud of her paternal Swiss heritage. Her family moved to Cottage Grove in 1951. She graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1960. She met her future husband, Walter (Wally) Magsamen in 1963, and they were married Feb. 6, 1965. She worked at American Family Insurance from high school graduation until their first child was born, when she became a stay-at-home mom. She belonged to St Bernard’s Catholic Church, Madison. She taught religious education for twenty years, served on the Parish Council, was a lector at Mass, and coordinated Luke House meal for the poor. She worked part time as the church secretary for 24 years. She loved to dance, and hated to miss dancing a polka. She was involved in tractor pulling with Wally. She played racquetball and loved camping and traveling.

Janet is survived by Wally, her husband of 47 years; her son, Scott (Kellie) of Rio; her daughter, Michelle (Aaron) Guttormson of West Bend; four grandchildren, Veronica, Luke, Lance and Isaac; and one step-grandchild, Kayla. She is further survived by two sisters, Shirley (Daniel) Weisensel and Carol Balczewski, both of Madison; one brother, Donald Strassman; and sister-in-law, Sandra Houston of Cottage Grove. Janet was predeceased by her son Michael in 2005; and by her parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2012, with Monsignor Father Hippee presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Interment will be Highland Memory Gardens.

Janet wished to thank family and friends who visited often, and expressed special thanks to Agrace HospiceCare Volunteer, Jean. Donations in her memory to St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2450 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704 or to Luke House, 310 South Ingersoll St, Madison, WI 53703 are suggested.

Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.