02/07/2026
Janis L. Reck
Janis Lorraine Reck (née Dietrich) passed away peacefully at age 95 on February 4, 2026, following a short battle with cancer. The angels are undoubtedly having more fun now that Janis — lifelong entertainer, ringleader, and card shark — has arrived. We only hope they’ve brushed up on their bridge skills.
Born January 8, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Janis was the third of Raymond and Irma (Hoernke) Dietrich’s three children, and the much-adored baby sister of Audrey and Raymond Jr., who doted on her accordingly.
After graduating from Bay View High School in January 1949, Janis attended a UW–Madison extension program in downtown Milwaukee, graduating in June 1950. She began her professional life at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, where she quickly rose through the ranks over eight years before stepping away to begin her family — though, as anyone who knew her would attest, leadership was never far from her reach.
Janis was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, deeply involved in the music program and Senior Choir. It was there she met Willard Reck, whom she married in September 1954. Together, they built a full and joyful life and raised two children, Jennifer and Tom.
Throughout her life, Janis was a committed participant in women’s clubs, community organizations, and choirs in every city she called home. She and Will were also devoted bridge players, belonging to numerous bridge clubs over the years. Janis had a knack for winning — she claimed she “always got the right cards.”
In 1978, Janis began what she proudly considered the highlight of her professional career at Johnson Hill Press in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Starting as an Administrative Secretary, she was quickly promoted to Executive Assistant to the President and Owner — essentially, the person who truly ran the show. With unmatched organization, confidence, and charm, Janis managed conferences and events across the country and handled it all with grace (and style). During this time, she also served a term as Chapter President of the Executive Women International Board. She remained at JHP until her retirement in 1995.
Jan and Will shared a deep love of travel, enjoying Caribbean cruises with friends and later touring Europe, exploring historic destinations and collecting stories along the way.
After retirement, Jan embraced new adventures with the Shriner Zor Temple in Madison, where Will was a Shriner and Janis became a member of Daughters of the Nile. In 2000, she was elected Queen of the Nile — an honor she wore proudly. She was also an active member of the Flag Unit and delighted in choreographing routines, channeling her lifelong love of performing (cabaret star in spirit, if not on the marquee).
In more recent years, Jan became deeply involved with the Janesville Woman’s Club and was named Woman of the Year in 2023. A passionate and accomplished bridge player, she was instrumental in launching Beginning Bridge lessons and often taught them herself. Many of her closest friendships were formed across a card table. Janis continued playing — and winning — bridge right up until her final weeks, firmly believing that the game kept her mind sharp and her spirits high.
Her greatest joy, outside of her family, was the family cottage on Blue Lake in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Purchased by her parents when Janis was 14, the cottage became the heart of countless summers filled with laughter, lake swims, card games, shared meals, and memories that spanned generations.
Janis is survived by her children, Jennifer Hurley (Brian) and Tom Reck (Kari); grandchildren, Jonathan Hurley and Nicole Abendroth (Ryan); and great-grandchildren, Caleb, Ben, and Lily Abendroth. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marilyn Zimmermann, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will remember her for her wit, warmth, confidence, and unapologetic belief in wine at lunch.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Cedar Crest nursing staff and the SSM Hospice Care team, especially Sharon, for their compassion and kindness. Special thanks also go to Janis’s dear friends — particularly Jeannine and Carol (may your bridge games continue) — and to her longtime friend from her Johnson Hill Press days, Karen, with whom many lunches and glasses of wine were joyfully shared. Janis was treated with dignity, humor, and care in her final weeks, and for that, the family is deeply grateful.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 612 N. Randall Avenue, Janesville, Wisconsin. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church’s Music Fund.
HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.
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