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Janet “Jan” Wiegand passed away on March 23, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by determination and a lasting impact on the people around her.
Born to Harry and Verna Aube, Jan grew up in Matawan, New Jersey, just a short drive from the ocean. She loved trips to Seaside Heights, where she walked the boardwalk, played carnival games, enjoyed the beach and saved her money for cheese fries. Even at a young age, Jan showed a defining trait that would carry through her life: once she set her mind to something, she quickly picked it up. In high school, she taught herself to sew, once creating a skirt for a date that same day simply because nothing in her closet felt quite right.
Jan became the first in her immediate family to attend college, beginning at Tusculum University before transferring to Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, where she earned her teaching degree. There, she met Jon Wiegand. He first saw her in the union and knew instantly he wanted a date with her. Jan, unsure which Jon she had agreed to meet, was surprised at first — but they quickly found their connection. They were married on Aug. 24, 1968, and built their life together in Storm Lake, raising their two children, Jennifer and Chad.
Jan devoted her career to teaching elementary students with multicategorical disabilities. She created a supportive environment for her students, worked closely with families and approached each child with care and flexibility. Her impact was lasting, with many families sharing how she changed the course of their children’s lives when she retired in 2013. After earning her master’s degree from Morningside College, she also taught college courses while continuing her work in elementary education and mentored future educators.
Outside of the classroom, Jan was a talented seamstress. She made clothing for her family and friends, created Halloween costumes, sewed intricate prom dresses and often handled last-minute alterations. She was known to create her own patterns and contributed her talents to outfitting animatronics at Santa’s Castle.
Jan enjoyed jogging, was a member of P.E.O. and loved to travel, especially to Breckenridge, Colo. Above all, she was devoted to her family, encouraging her children in their interests and supporting them in learning new things. Following their retirements, Jan and Jon moved to Green Bay to be closer to their grandchildren.
Jan is survived by her husband Jon; her daughter Jennifer (Todd) Felton; her son Chad (Sara); and her grandchildren: Miles, Abe and Eleanor. She is also survived by her sister Carlene (Al) Marroni; and nieces Beth and Alison.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law.
A private family funeral will be held in Green Bay on April 13.
Jan will be remembered for the many lives she shaped with patience, compassion and quiet strength.
