Janis Ruth Palutke

WAUSAU, Wis. - Janis Ruth Palutke was ushered into Glory on Tuesday morning, Feb. 14, 2017, at North Central Health Care Facility-Garden Side Crossing.

She was born on June 4, 1935, in Minneapolis, to the late Russell and Laura Porter. She was a member of Trinity Independent Church, North Minneapolis, where she taught Sunday School and was involved in a very active youth group.

Janis attended Patrick Henry High School and Minneapolis Academy in the Twin Cities, graduating in 1953. During the summers, she attended Bible Camp at Medicine Lake and also taught Good News Clubs in rural central Wisconsin areas.

Janis graduated as an licensed practical nurse, receiving her nurse's training from Swedish Hospital. She also attended Northwestern Bible College in Minneapolis, where she got to know John, her future husband. She and John were married on June 1, 1957, (almost 60 years ago) at Trinity Church, North Minneapolis.

While her husband, John, was attending Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., Jan worked at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis. Together with John, they served five churches, all in the Baptist General Conference in Washington State, Upper Michigan and Wisconsin. Jan often played piano for the churches and also enjoyed playing accordion.

Jan was a very caring, loving wife and mother. She had come to know Jesus Christ as her own personal Savior and Lord at an early age. She loved to read Christian novels, listen to hymns on the radio and do crossword puzzles. Her favorite TV program was "Wheel of Fortune." She and her husband traveled a lot in their earlier years, having been in all 50 states. She loved the Lord and never wavered in her faith. The last one and a half years were spent in nursing care, as she suffered with Alzheimer's Disease.

Survivors include her husband, John; three children, Cindy, Jeff and Greg, all born in Washington state. Cindy (Dan) currently lives in River Falls, Jeff (Lynn) live in Edgar, and Greg (Dawn) live in the Denver area. Janis is further survived by 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a brother, Dean Porter, Denver.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today, Friday, Feb. 17, at Bethany Baptist Church, Schofield. Burial will take place Saturday, Feb. 18, at Newbold Cemetery, McNaughton, north of Rhinelander. Friends may call on Friday from noon until the time of services at the church.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Bethany Baptist Church.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at North Central Health Care for their wonderful care and support.