Janice Helen Wacha, 73, of 1605 N. 25th Street, Sheboygan, WI, died October 30, 2012, in her own home, as were her wishes. Born: March 27, 1939 in Plymouth, WI. Janice was the daughter of the late Christian Pick and Esther Dreyer Kunstman. In 1942, the family moved from Plymouth to Sheboygan, WI. She was a 1957 graduate of North Central High School. On November 2, 1957 she was united in marriage to the late Robert Nicholas Wacha, wherein they celebrated 51 years of marriage prior to his death in 2009. During her marriage, Janice traveled around the world extensively with her husband for over 40 years. They were an adventurous couple and together they saw and explored exciting and new exotic continents. Janice was a loving and dutiful wife and mother to her husband and five children. Her husband served 4 years in the Navy and 17 years in the U.S. Air Force. When her husband retired from the Military in 1976, Janice was given an "Outstanding Award of Commendation," from the Federal Government Secretary of State, for her dedication to the Federal Government mission in aiding her husband to complete his tours of duties for the good of the nation. In 1999, she was also awarded a "Certificate of Appreciation" by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after her spouse's second retirement. The award was for her, "unselfish, faithful and devoted service. Unfailing support and understanding that helped to make possible your lasting contribution to the District and Nation." Janice was an active participant and member of the Veteran's of Foreign War Ladies Auxiliary Club, wherein she helped to raise money for local charities. She was also a member of St. Dominic's Catholic Parish. She was survived by her brother: Arnold Pick (June) Plymouth, WI. Sister: Delores Dhein (Clyde) Sheboygan, WI. Three step-sisters: Vivian (Eugene) Petersohn, Phoeniz, AZ; Carol (Jim) Wolfgram, Sheboygan; Beverly (Wayne) Pfister, Sheboygan, WI; Her children: Sheryl A. Byrd, Miami, FL, Robert W. Wacha, Sheboygan, WI, Rene M. Wacha, McIntosh, FL, Donna M. Wacha, Sheboygan, WI and Scott A. Wacha, Sheboygan, WI. Her grandchildren: Mark Wacha, Fon du Lac, WI; Adam Byrd, Christopher Byrd, and Scott Byrd, Miami Fl; Tyler Wacha, Tanner Wacha and Kendyl Wacha, Sydney, MT. Her Godchild and niece: Denise Dhein. Brother-in-laws: Edward (Caroline) Wacha, Marshall, MN, Lawrence (Rolene) Wacha, Fargo, ND; Sister-in-laws: Betty Latzke, Le Sueur, MN; Alice Mlejnek, Sheboygan, WI; Anita (Ken) Ronning, Fergus Falls, MN; Rosie (Albert) Lesner, Alexandria, MN. She had many special nieces, nephews and other cousins, and friends whom she appreciated and loved immensely. Janice was a kind and gracious lady. She often spoke of how grateful and blessed she was to have had so many people whom not only to love, but who loved and cared for her so deeply in return. She often quoted at various life stages, "I have lived a wonderful and full life, I have no regretsI have five beautiful children and have loved and been loved, when I am gone, do not mourn me, but cherish the memory and smile when you think of me!" Her charming kind spirit and gentle nature along with her caring ways will be remembered by everyone whose life was touched and enhanced by hers. She was a compassionate and empathetic woman who seemed to have the capability to calm the storm before it became a full gala. Even at the end of her fight against cancer, her indomitable strong spirit, courageous nature and loving manner could not be destroyed by her illness. Janice continued to show good humor while telling the people around her how much she loved and cared for them. Janice wanted to publicly acknowledge her caregivers, so they will know how much she loved and appreciated their excellent care and all the compassion they bestowed upon her: Deb Esswein, Kathy Steinbruecker, Jerri Brunnette, Christine Plocar, Teresa Gonering, Tammy Verhage, Mary Ann Yekenwicz, Lori Lynn, Dixie Hummitzsch, St. Nicholas Hospice Staff and "Sweet Guerda" from Granny Nannies in Florida. Also with a special acknowledgment to: Rene M. Wacha, "My Nurse Daughter, who made it all happen for me and stood by me through the endwe gave it our best fight and I love you!" She also wanted to give a special thanks to her other daughters (Sheryl, Donna), sons (Robert, Scott) and sister Delores, so they will know how much she loved them for all the love, kindness, support and aid they gave her spiritually and physically during the trying medical times in her life, "I couldn't have done it without them, and I love them and am grateful for their help, and the other people who were there for me too!" Her family and friends will miss her dearly. They all know without a doubt that this special and beautiful rose has gone to take her rightful place in the garden of heaven. She will be fondly remembered for her love of life. Janice's life story will not be forgotten, but will be forever nestled in their hearts as a precious and cherished memory! She was preceded in death by: her husband, Robert N. Wacha; her Mother: Esther Dreyer Kunstman, Father: Christian Pick, Step-father: John Kunstman, her Sisters: Luella (Elroy) Denderlein; Florence (James) Waterman; Lorraine (Marvin) Methfessel, Sheboygan, WI. Brothers: Martin (Helen) Pick, Sheboygan, WI; Amos (Alfrieda) Pick, Sheboygan, WI; Edward (Hein) Pick, Red Deer, Canada; and twin brothers. One Step brother: John Kunstman, Jr. One Step-sister: Shirley (Richard) Vazalari, Chicago, IL. Father-in-law: William Wacha. Mother-in-law: Anna Wacha. Brother-in-law: Robert Mlejnek, Sheboygan, WI, Jack Maczkowicz, Le Sueur, MN, and Harold Latzke, Le Sueur, MN. Her grandson: Nicholas Wacha. Funeral Services to be held at: Lippert-Olson Funeral Home, 1132 Superior Avenue, Sheboygan, WI. Viewing to be held on: November 2, 2012 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Father Phil Reifenberg will officiate. After the viewing, an entombment will be done after her cremation and she will reside in the mausoleum niche with her husband at: Greenlawn Memorial Park and Chapel Mausoleum, 6706 Superior Avenue, Kohler, WI.
