Obituary of Janet Rae Gunnelson

Janet Rae Gunnelson, age 76, of Cambridge, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at her home. Janet was born in Madison on July 21, 1939, the daughter of Elmer S. and Bernice (Jarlsberg) Christensen. She graduated from Cambridge High School in 1957 where she was a drum majorette and co-editor of the school paper. She earned a bachelor�s degree from UW-Madison in 1961. That same year she married her high school sweetheart, Jerald A. Gunnelson. She taught kindergarten in Lake Mills until they moved to Washington D.C. where she worked for the Interstate Commerce Commission. After her father�s death in 1967, the family moved back to Cambridge and Janet operated the family mink farm until 1985. She continued her involvement in the mink industry at North American Fur Auction. She also was a partner of the craft store, Homespun House, in Cambridge for several years. Janet was a dedicated, life-long member of Grace Lutheran Church where she was actively involved in many different roles and was a member of the Ruth Circle. She enjoyed gardening and maintaining her yard, reading, knitting, sewing, and being involved in the lives of her eight grandchildren. She will be remembered for her work ethic, her inner strength, her ability to listen and to make others feel welcome, and most of all, for her strong love and dedication to her family and friends. She will be dearly missed. Janet is survived by her husband: Jerry Gunnelson, Children: Matthew (Kelly) Gunnelson, Germantown, WI, Amy (Scott) Simdon, Cambridge, Beth (Fabrizio) Gunnelson-Damiani, Cambridge, and David (Nichole Thordson) Gunnelson, Rockdale, Grandchildren: Jordan and Seth Gunnelson, Jennifer and Katherine Simdon, Greta, Daphne and Marco Damiani, and Natalie Gunnelson, Sister: Mary Christensen, Cambridge, and Niece: Kristine (Wes) Hinkley of Madison. She was also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 501 Skogen Road, Cambridge, WI at 7:00 PM, Thursday, September 10, 2015. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM until the time of the service on Thursday. Light meal following service. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or Cambridge Community Library. The Nitardy Funeral Home, Cambridge, WI is assisting the family.