Janene Francis

On September 1, 2021, Janene (Johnson) Francis took her final road trip and entered the gates
of Heaven greeted by cheers of “you have arrived” from her mother, brother, and all of her
ancestors who lent their strength during her recent health battles.
Janene was born July 11, 1963, to Gordon R. and Katherine O. (Willms) Johnson. She spent the
days of her youth on the family farm near Milbank, SD. Janene graduated Milbank High School
and Northern State College.
In 1983, Janene married James Russman. They moved to Sheboygan, WI, where they started
their family with two sons. Janene was united in marriage with Mark Francis in 1998. Together,
they made their family home in Elkhart Lake, WI, adding two daughters.
Janene worked as an IT consultant for Kohler for many years.
In addition to her husband, Mark, and her father, Gordon, Janene is survived by her children,
Andrew Russman (Elizabeth Netwal), Matthew Russman, Holly Francis, and Maria Francis;
grandchildren, Ezra Russman, Madeline Russman, and their siblings Noah and Zoe; siblings
Debbi (Bob) Higginbotham, Robert Johnson (Teresa Purcell), Sharon (Jon) Wollman; and many
nephews, nieces, and other relatives.
Janene was preceded in death by her mother, Kathy, and her eldest brother, Larry.
A celebration of life will be held at Suchon Funeral Home, 1317 State Rd. 67, Plymouth, WI
53073 on Tuesday (September 7, 2021). Visitation, with the family present, will begin at 4 PM
with a casual service at 6 PM. Rev. Casey Sugden will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials which they will direct to The Sharon S.
Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan Falls, WI, or to pancreatic cancer research.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is serving the family. For online
condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.