Janet M. Warner

Age 90, Janet left us to be with the Lord and her loving family in heaven on July 24, 2025. She was born on March 16, 1935 the daughter of the late Erwin and Florence (Hawley) Kufner, and was a lifelong resident of Appleton.

Janet married Donald (Rusty) Warner in 1956 and they enjoyed 50 years together before his death in 2006. Janet was the beloved aunt to 52 nieces and nephews, many of whom considered her their second mother. She was a true animal lover and cherished each of her four dogs over the years: Brandy, Brady, Abby, and Penny. Janet was a lifelong member of St. Pius X Parish in Appleton and was part of Perpetual Adoration Holy Hour each Tuesday for many years as well as singing in the Funeral Choir since 2011. Janet was also an Adult Religion teacher at St. Joseph parish with Fr. Bob Malloy for over 35 years.

Janet worked as office manager for W & H Motors for 32 years before retiring due to the business closing. Janet dedicated her life to taking care of others. Her passion was for teaching literacy along with her sister Barbara. She served as a literacy tutor at Literacy Education Services for over 30 years, being their longest serving tenured volunteer.

With family always at the forefront of her priorities, she served as the loving guardian to her brother John for the past 23 years. This included daily phone calls, weekly visits, taking him grocery shopping and lunch as well as managing his doctor appointments and overall well-being. Janet was tremendously gifted when it came to keeping track of and sending out perfectly written cards to the multitude of family and friends for every special occasion. She sent cards to everyone for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or just to share a newspaper clipping or note to tell them she loved them.

Janet is survived by her beloved sister, Jean Wojahn; brother, John Kufner; brothers-in-law, Dave Van Ryzin and Ernie Meulemans; sister-in-law, Glenda Kufner; along with the many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by brothers, Paul, Erwin (Erv), and James (Jim) Kufner; sisters, Rita Tedlund, Joan Sanders, Margaret Kufner, Mary Louise Van Heuklon, Yvonne Meulemans, and Barbara Van Ryzin; brothers-in-law Bud Tedlund, Robert Wojahn, Norm Van Heuklon, and Leroy Sanders; and sister-in-law, Margaret Kufner.

The funeral visitation will be held from 9:00 - 11:15 AM on Friday, August 8, 2025 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 W. Marquette St., Appleton, WI 54911 with a mass to follow at 11:30 AM, officiated by Father Brian Sanderfoot. Janet will be laid to rest with her husband at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Janet’s name.

The family would like to recognize and thank Steve and Tami Wingate, Janet’s long-time neighbors, for their wonderful care and companionship to Janet over the years. Mowing the lawn, plowing snow, running errands and most importantly checking in on her regularly for visits. Thanks also to her niece, Pat Wagner, for helping her with errands and appointments.

We extend much appreciation to St. Paul’s Elder Care Home in Kaukauna for their kind and compassionate care, faithful community, and guidance during Janet’s last month with us.

The Van Ryzin family was truly blessed to have Janet join us over the years for holidays and family celebrations, providing us all with many cherished memories. Janet was a wonderful lady who embodied grace, kindness, faith, an enduring positive nature every day and in all that she did, always with a smile. She will be greatly missed by her extended Kufner family as well as all who were blessed to know her.