Janet R. Bursek, 96, of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her residence, on Saturday, December 30, 2023.
The former Janet R. Walthers was born on March 2, 1927 in Manitowoc to the late Edward W. and Lila (Gilbert) Walthers. She attended local schools and was a 1945 graduate of Lincoln High School. On October 2, 1954 she married Lloyd F. Bursek at First Presbyterian Church in Manitowoc. He preceded her in death on January 17, 1983.
Janet was a well known area soprano and took pride in being the first ever soloist with the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra along with various groups which had included: St. Paul Methodist Lilac Festivals, First Presbyterian Church Candlelight Services and church choir, local ecumenical concerts, Wisconsin Ambassador Choirs tours to Prague, Switzerland, France and England and a second to Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. Janet sang on WOMT and WBAY, Monday Music Club programs, Manitowoc Marine Band and Manitowoc Chamber Choir and for numerous weddings and funerals.
She was employed at the Whitehouse Milk Company, Aluminum Goods Manufacturing, Manitowoc Public Schools Title 1 program and Orthopedic Associates. Janet had a very strong faith and enjoyed daily bible readings, both traditional and of the Christian Science beliefs. Over the years she participated in several different bridge groups where she made many lifelong friends. She had a great love for watching any kind of football, especially the Packers. She also loved watching men’s PGA golf. Janet liked to read, do word search and jigsaw puzzles, and most recently the daily WORDLE. One of her special talents was finding just the right Christmas or birthday gift for her family members, especially her great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.
Janet is survived by her two daughters and son-in-law: Nan Jagemann, Manitowoc, and Sue (Thomas) Mielke, Oregon, WI; four grandchildren: Erin (Robin) Bastian, Oconomowoc, Tony Jagemann, Brookfield, Kathryn (Aaron) Bates, Elyria Ohio, and Patrick Mielke, Milwaukee; five great-grandchildren: Jack, Ravi, Harrison, Avery, and Warren. She is further survived by cousins, other relatives and friends. Janet was preceded in death by her parents: Edward and Lila Walthers; her husband: Lloyd Bursek; her beloved brother 2nd Lieutenant Robert E. Walthers; son-in-law: Paul Jagemann; and granddaughter: Stephanie Ann Mielke.
A funeral service to celebrate Janet’s life will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 11:00 am at Grace Congregational United Church of Christ, 2801 Garfield St. Two Rivers, with Rev. Dr. Colie Bettivia officiating. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday, January 5, 2024 at the church from 9:00 am until 10:45 am. Janet will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
The family would like to thank Home Care Health Service and Hospice, especially Sheila, Dr. Poulson-Port and staff for their exceptional care given to Janet over the years, and her close friends for their phone calls and support.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.
