Janet Loretta (Schwartz) Thiel, age 85 of Markesan, was called to her eternal home on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 on the most beautiful autumn day that the Lord could provide.

Visitation for Janet will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 65 W. Catherine St., Markesan from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m with Rev. Jason Jobs officiating. Burial will take place at Markesan Memorial Cemetery.

Janet was born on July 18, 1934 to Herbert and Martha (Piotraschke) Schwartz in the family farm home belonging to her German-speaking grandparents. The youngest of three daughters, Janet was raised speaking German, and upon starting school, she was sent home with a note that read "Don't send her back until she speaks English." She went to Gresham School here in Wisconsin. Janet was a delightful child and person, and acquired the nickname "Blondie", which many relatives still called her.

Janet met Jack Thiel when they were kids. She was playing with his sister LaVern and Jack was throwing frogs at her, and as the story goes -- it was just meant to be! They were married on September 6, 1952 after Jack got out of the Marines during the Korean War. They started their family and were blessed with four children, Nancy, Jay, Teri and James. Jack's career with Wisconsin Power & Light moved the Thiel family twice in Lake Geneva and once in Janesville. After their final move to Markesan, they made it their family hometown. Fortunately, an early retirement allowed them to have many great years to enjoy each other.

Janet was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Markesan. She was a great Mom, Grandma & Great-Grandma. She loved her Avon, playing bingo and going on casino trips. She always reminded her family how proud she was of her children, grandkids and great-grandkids.

Janet is survived by her children, Nancy Evans, Jay Thiel and Teri Vande Kolk; grandchildren, Robert P. (Amber Brown) Evans, Michael A. (Morgan) Evans, Heidi (Brian) Estes and Traci (Stefon) Allen, Holly (Josh) Goodine, Bryant Vande Kolk; great-grandchildren, Warren and Lena Estes, Hunter Goodine, Lyte Evans; siblings and in-laws, Marge Schmidt, Maynard "Bert" Thiel, Carl (Jean) Thiel; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jack, son James, one sister, four brothers-in-law, five sisters-in-law and other relatives.

If desired, memorials in Janet's name may be directed to Agnesian Hospice Hope, 745 South St., Ste 4, Green Lake, WI 54941.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.