Janice "Jan" Hartnig

Janice "Jan" Hartnig, age 88, of Green Bay-loving wife, mom, grandma, and friend-passed away peacefully in her sleep during the early morning hours of June 4, 2026 and is now in Heaven.

Jan was born on January 28, 1938, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Alvin and Agnes (Herrmann) Behnke. She graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1956.

In 1957, Jan met the love of her life, Bob Hartnig, under rather memorable circumstances. While initially dating Bob's twin brother, Richard "Dick," she soon realized that Bob was the better match for her heart. The two quickly became inseparable and were married on August 30, 1958, beginning a loving partnership that would span nearly 68 years.

Shortly after their wedding, Jan and Bob moved to La Crosse while Bob attended UW-La Crosse. Following his graduation in 1961, they settled in Waupun, where Bob taught school for seven years. In 1968, the couple made their home in Ashwaubenon when Bob accepted a new teaching position there.

Throughout each move and every stage of life, Jan had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome and valued. Whether she was living in a new community, working at a new job, volunteering, or simply meeting someone for the first time, she formed lasting friendships wherever she went. Her kindness, genuine interest in others, and warm sense of humor naturally drew people to her.

Jan found great purpose in her work at UW-Green Bay, where she dedicated her career to supporting students, Faculty, and colleagues through her roles in the Registrar's Office and the Education Department. She built many meaningful friendships during her years at the university-relationships she cherished long after retirement. The same held true for all of the friendships Jan and Bob shared with so many couples they counted as great friends within the Ashwaubenon Teachers community.

While balancing their careers, Jan and Bob raised their two children and created countless family memories together. Much of that time was spent "up north," a place that held a special place in their hearts. Eventually, they built a cabin there, which became a beloved gathering place for family and friends, filled with laughter, countless campfires, and treasured moments together.

Bob retired in 1995, and Jan followed in 1996. Retirement brought many joyful years together, including two decades of annual winter trips to Destin, Florida. There, Jan once again did what she did best-forming friendships and nurturing connections. The couple shared countless memories with a large circle of friends who became like family over the years.

Nothing brought Jan more happiness than spending time with those she loved. She treasured coffee dates with her Florida friends, trips to New York City with other dear friends, lunches with her lifelong high school girlfriends, and gatherings with family. Her friendships were one of life's greatest joys, and she continued to enjoy those special connections until the last year of her life.

Jan and Bob were longtime members of Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Jan generously volunteered many hours helping prepare church bulletins for worship services. Her willingness to serve, her caring nature, and her quiet acts of kindness reflected the faith she lived every day.

Above all, Jan will be remembered for her loving heart, her unwavering devotion to family and friends, and her extraordinary ability to create lasting friendships wherever life's journey took her. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and connection that will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

Jan is survived by her loving husband, Bob; her daughters, Sandie (John) Ripley and Nancy (Steve) Gillis; grandchildren: Nicole (Ben) Counard, Zach Gillis, Nic (Fiance, Arianna) Ripley and Noah (Jordan) Ripley; great-grandchildren: Aubree Haworth, Grace Durkin and Reggie Robert Ripley; her siblings: Dorothy (Charles) Officer, Ronald Behnke and Gary (Barb) Behnke; sister-in-law, Lois Dorner; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and beloved friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Bob's parents, Louis and Ruth Hartnig; sister-in-law, Barbara Behnke; Bob's twin brother and his wife, Richard "Dick" and Kay Hartnig; and brother-in-law, Pete Dorner.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Woodside Lutheran Home, especially in the Rehab Facility and the Memory Care Unit. They would also like to thank the staff at Unity Hospice especially Tyler, Megan, Sarah, and Pastor Scott. The care and compassion given to Jan was a true blessing to our family and we will always be grateful. 

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer. Details will be shared on this website as arrangements are finalized.