JANIE ANN LANCASTER HIEB

JANIE ANN LANCASTER HIEB

     Janie Ann Lancaster Hieb, 87, passed away peacefully at the Grandview Care Center in Blair, WI, July 7, 2023, surrounded by family.

     She was born Jan. 20, 1936, in Bloomington, IL, to Thomas and Marcella Lancaster. Janie married Warren Hieb Nov. 12, 1955, in Henry, IL. Janie is survived by her eight children: Cynthia (Dan) Olson of Black River Falls, WI, Thomas (Kathy) Hieb of Flagstaff, AZ, Timothy Hieb of Ham Lake, MN, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Hieb of Waldo, WI, Matthew (Bridget) Hieb of River Falls, WI, Michael (Nedra) Hieb of Milwaukee, WI, Susanna (Najib) Schlosstein of Arcadia, WI and Daniel (Traci) Hieb of Eau Claire, WI; 25 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Janie is also survived by her three sisters, Judy Bogner, Janet Schultz and Sally Smallwood; her brother, Michael Lancaster; and her special friend, Roger Kaufman.

     Janie was preceded in death by her baby daughter, Mary; her parents, Thomas and Marcella Lancaster; and her husband, Warren.

     Janie attended college in Normal, IL, and was very proud of her career as a writer and speaker. Her legacy and humor lives on in the pages of her books, magazines, monthly columns and newspaper articles. She was known for her quick wit, compelling charm and gentle soul. If you knew Janie, you also knew that she was passionate about her many favorite things. One of those favorite things was “The Sound of Music.” Its yearly broadcast was a mandatory event in the Hieb household.

     In the spirit of The Sound of Music, here are a few of Janie’s “favorite things”... rocking babies, being a mom, Warren, music (especially bluegrass), Wisconsin in June, blue gingham, wild flowers and even wilder gardens, old fixer-upper houses, wallpaper, country roads, ice cream, popcorn, a new litter of pigs, farms and farm life, a houseful of children (especially her own) and entertaining and captivating an audience with written and spoken stories. Simply remember her favorite things and then you won’t feel so sad.

     Janie will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Please remember the joy and love she brought to everyone she knew. Take a moment to read her stories and relive her many adventures, most of them humorous and always heartfelt. She was a very special woman, and we are all better for having known her.

     Janie bravely battled Parkinson’s disease for many years. Her family is encouraging donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation in her memory at give.michaeljfox.org

     Funeral services were held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Black River Falls, WI, Tuesday, July 18, at 11 a.m. Visitation was from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

     Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona, WI, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.