July 26, 1932—October 9, 2020
TOMAH - Janet L. Felber, 88, of Tomah, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2020 at the Serenity House in Tomah. Born on July 26, 1932, the third daughter to Edwin and Bertha (Peak) Rooker in Sparta, Wisconsin. Janet graduated from Tomah High School, Class of 1950. After graduating from high school, Janet was united in marriage to John F. Felber on October 18, 1950 at St. James the Less Catholic Church, Camp Douglas. In 1957, John and Janet purchased the George and Bertha Felber family farm, where they worked the farm and raised their eight children. Janet remained on the farm after John’s passing until 1986, when she then relocated to her current home outside of Tomah. After moving to town, Janet worked at Walmart, as an associate in the ladies’ fashion wear department, remaining in this position until her retirement after 31 years at the age of 86. For several of those years, she proudly wore the title of “oldest employee.”
As a homemaker, Janet took great pride in raising her children. She loved her children fiercely and ferociously, teaching them to live a life of realistic expectations, looking problems straight in the eye and living each day as it comes. She was comical and witty, loving life to the fullest and persevering with a strong will during challenging times. As the years, rolled by and her role of mother evolved into grandmother and great-grandmother, she cherished the sweet and tender moments of rocking her grandbabies to sleep and the joy of being their biggest fan.
Taking great pride in her flower garden, Janet loved taking care of her flower beds, hanging baskets and yard around the house. Feeding the fish in the pond, filling the bird feeders for the cardinals and orioles, and putting out juice for the hummingbirds were always tasks she loved and in return she enjoyed countless hours of watching them enjoy their treat. Writing poetry, doing crafts, making quilts, or crocheting her well known “scrubbies” were also some of Janet’s favorite pastimes.
She is survived by her children, Linda (Tom) Barrett, Theresa (Don) Alderman, Gary (Julie) Felber, Lisa Ridgway-Felber, Scott Felber, Kurt (Debbie) Felber and, Jon (Amanda) Felber; grandchildren, Keri Pfaff, Jodie Barrett, Jay Barrett, Chad (Anna) Barrett, Travis Moser, Derek Moser, Tania (Jim) Haugen, Jason Felber, Gina (Dan) Nelson, Lauren (Adil) Moosa, Daniel Ridgway, Kody Felber, Kyle Felber, Jade (Bobby) Shaw, and Deven Felber; 30 great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty Felber; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; a son, Len Felber; a granddaughter, Stacey Barrett; a great-granddaughter, Kristine Barrett; a sister, Sally Felber; and two brothers-in-law, Joe Felber and Bernard Felber.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah. Pastor Robert Streeter will officiate. Burial will be on Wednesday, 12:00 noon, in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, 18316 County Hwy. N, rural Oakdale (Indian Creek). Due to Covid-19, no luncheon will be held.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Tuesday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and on Wednesday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Those in attendance are encouraged to wear a mask and respect social distancing according to CDC guidelines.
Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
