Janet V. Hemmen

Janet Verna Hemmen, age 89 passed away on June 6, 2026 from this world to her heavenly home. She was born October 6, 1936 to Clayton and Vienna Stageberg in Floodwood, MN.

Janet attended the University of Minnesota – Duluth graduating in 1958 with a degree in Home Economics and a minor in Chemistry. She married Ronald Johnson on December 27, 1957 at Hope Lutheran Church in Floodwood, MN and they welcomed four children, Gregory, Steven, Kristen, and Jeanine. Following graduation from UMD, she worked as a Nutritionist for the Dairy Council of Minnesota in St. Paul. After leaving the workforce to raise their four children, she returned to work serving as a substitute teacher for a number of different school districts. After a lifetime of following Ron’s career in the paper industry, they retired to Appleton, WI where he preceded her in death in 1990.

Janet married James Hemmen on May 23, 1993 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI. Together they completed her goal of touring all the state capitols and continents of the world.

Janet loved music and performed as a solo vocalist and also enjoyed singing in both church and community choirs and playing in her church bell choir. She was an accomplished knitter and seamstress creating many beautiful pieces for family and friends. She was a member of AAUW, a LEAVEN volunteer, and an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Appleton, WI. Janet’s life was guided by her favorite Bible verse, 2nd Corinthians Chapter 12, V. 9a – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Janet is survived by her spouse, James Hemmen; her sister, Wilma Moe; her children, Dr. Greg (Jennifer) Johnson, Dr. Steven (Cheryl) Johnson, Kristen (James) Cousineau, and Jeanine (Bill) Johnson; her four step-children, Sarah (Wayne) Edmonds, James (Tammy) Hemmen, Suzanne (John) Mitchell, and Jean-Marie (Todd) Mindorff; 18 grandchildren and their 7 spouses; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Vienna Stageberg; her spouse, Ronald Johnson; and her sister, Carol Curtis.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10-11 AM on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2330 E Calumet St, Appleton, WI 54915 with a memorial service to follow at 11 AM. Janet will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or LEAVEN.

Janet’s family would like to thank Theda Care Hospice for their help in recent days and Dr. Paul Russo and his nurse, Terri Reimer of the Kaukauna Clinic for their decades for compassionate care.