It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Janet C. Blanke, who left us on October 1, 2026 after a beautifully lived life. Full of love, laughter, and resilience, Janet touched the lives of all who knew her.
Janet was born on August 3, 1936 in Sheboygan Falls, WI, a daughter of the late Delbert “Dee” and Mary (Pongratz) Endsley. She attended Sheboygan Falls grade schools and graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School in 1954.
On May 28, 1955, she married Henry W. “Hank” Blanke at St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth. The
couple resided in Plymouth their entire marriage. Hank preceded her in death on March 19, 2025.
Janet was employed at Gilson Brothers Corporation in Plymouth and was in charge of the Health Insurance and Claims Department for 10 years. She then worked at Valley View Medical Center in Plymouth in the Personal Department for 6 years and then was self-employed for the Nicolet Welcome Service for 11 years.
Janet was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She raised three great kids with unending love and support. No one could have asked for a better mom. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth and was a Charter Member and Past President of the Plymouth Jaycette’s.
Janet and Hank had a passion for traveling, vacationing in Florida, including trips to Europe and South America. Janet had many interests in her life, which included boating, camping and having lunch with her dear friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with her loving family. She treasured all the fun times and laughter with her family.
Janet had a remarkable impact on the lives of those around her. She was always ready to lend a helping hand and to contribute her time to her community. She loved playing the piano and organ and played for many nursing homes and at other events during her lifetime, all with great Joy. She also loved listening to gospel music and enjoyed making flower arrangements, many of which she donated to Church, her friends, nursing homes and other places. Janet also volunteered at the Senior Center and Generations in Plymouth for many years.
Survivors left behind to cherish her memory are: two sons: Henry D. “Butch” (Tarry) Blanke of Black Earth, WI and Dean W. (Michelle) Blanke of Elkhart Lake; eight grandchildren: Bradley Heinecke of Plymouth, Tara (Bryce) Becker of McFarland, Bailey Blanke (special friend: Nick) of Elkhart Lake, Brandon (Rebekah) Heinecke of Plymouth, Daniel Blanke of Madison, Olivia (Jeremy) Hentz of Oshkosh, Chelsey (Scott Larson) Blanke of Minnesota and Calie Blanke (special friend Eric) of Milwaukee. Six great grandchildren: Ava, Charlotte, Miles, Rowan, Norah, John “Johnny” Heinecke; one sister-in-law: Beverly Endsley of Sheboygan Falls and the “Club Girls who were my Angels since 1955”; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hank; parents; daughter: Julie Heinecke-Blanke; three brothers: Robert (Alma) Endsley, John (Elaine) Endsley and LaVern Endsley; two sisters-in-law: Jeanette (John) Pruss and Waldine (George) Robinson.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 15th at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth from 11:00am-1:00pm; with a Memorial Service to follow at 1:00pm. Rev. John Schultz, Pastor of St. John Lutheran will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Greenbush Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Janet’s name for St. John Lutheran Church and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for children.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.
Janet was the heart of our home and family, and will be dearly missed. The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Barry and his staff for the wonderful care over the years. Also a special thank you to Cassandra of Cornerstone Caregiving for her assistance and companionship given to Janet recently.
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