Janice Darlene Dumonson

Janice Darlene Dumonson, lovingly known to so many as Jan, passed away on June 4, 2026, at the age of 89, at Hope Hospice of Cape Coral, Fla. She was a woman who lived life with purpose, warmth, and an adventurous spirit that never dimmed.

Jan was born on April 28, 1937, in Wautoma, to Richard F. and Lauraine L. Raatz (Sauerbrei). Growing up in a large family alongside her brothers, Jerry, James, William, and Thomas, and her sisters Jean and Judith, Jan developed the outgoing and hardworking nature that would define her for the rest of her life.

Jan was nothing if not career-driven. She began her professional journey at Wausau Insurance Company in Wausau, starting as an internal audit specialist in the late 1970s. From there, she climbed steadily, serving as sales supervisor through 1988, sales support specialist through 1990, and sales support manager through 1992, before reaching her proudest professional accomplishment as marketing administrative specialist at the Lisle, Ill. office, where she remained until her retirement in 1995.

But retirement was never going to mean slowing down for Jan. She enrolled at the College of DuPage in Naperville, Ill., to study the travel industry, graduating with honors and earning a spot on the dean's list. Her passion for travel had deep roots. In her younger years, while raising their daughter Monica, Jan and her husband LeRoy crisscrossed the lower 48, visiting relatives on the west coast and introducing Monica to 32 states by the time she was 16. That early love of the open road eventually carried Jan across the globe, traveling the world and exploring with the United States Lighthouse Society for the duration of her retirement.

In her younger days, Jan was also an avid bowler who procured several trophies over the years, as well as being a dedicated golfer. Wednesday ladies’ night at Rib Mountain Golf Course was a cherished tradition, always followed by Old Fashioneds at Iozzo’s, now known as Carmelo’s, nestled at the base of Rib Mountain and Granite Peak Ski Hill.

At the age of 52, Jan began welcoming grandchildren into the world, and the joy they brought her was immeasurable. She was blessed with three handsome grandsons and a beautiful granddaughter, and in 2020, she gained a bonus granddaughter, grandson, and grand fur babies through two weddings held just two weeks apart.

Jan treasured 30 years of incredible memories at her lake house on the Minocqua Chain of Lakes in northern Wisconsin, watching her grandchildren roll down the hill to the water and listening to their playful complaints when it came time to rake the mountains of leaves each fall. In 2007, she fulfilled a longtime dream of settling in the warmth of Southwest Florida, where she became deeply involved in her community, participating in cards, dancing, dinners, holiday parties, and the Red Hat Ladies at her local clubhouse.

Jan is survived by her daughter, Monica Gebert of Knowlton; her sister, Judith (Gary) Oleson of Sussex; her grandchildren, Paul Dumonson of Stevens Point; Adam (Angella) Gebert of Wasilla, Alaska; Kayla (Colton) Volkmann of Rhinelander; and Blake Hoiby of Knowlton; her great-grandchildren, Conner Dumonson of Manitowish Waters; Rylee Dumonson of Woodruff; Addelynn and Adam Jr. of Wasilla, Alaska; and bonus great-grandson Brayden Volkmann of Rhinelander; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews along with many friends and travel companions.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Lauraine Raatz; her brothers Jerry, James, William, and Thomas Raatz; her sister Jean Johannes; a nephew, Matthew Raatz; a great-niece, Alexis Roloff; and a great-nephew, Logan Roloff.

Jan lived a life full of dedication, love, and adventure. May she now rest peacefully in God’s eternal care, her journey complete, her spirit forever exploring.

The National Cremation Society is handling arrangements. A formal celebration of life for family and friends will be held on Sept. 4, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mosinee. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m, with the service at 1 p.m. and a luncheon to follow. Following the celebration, the family will travel to Split Rock Lighthouse in her honor, a fitting tribute to a woman who spent her life chasing the light.