Henke-Clarson Funeral Home

09/28/2025

Janice M. Brown

Janice Marlene Brown, 80, of Milton, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, from a brief battle with cancer surrounded by family at the Agrace HospiceCare Inpatient Unit in Fitchburg, Wis. She was born on March 18, 1945, in Janesville to Warren Lewis Bowles and Ethel Vivian Bowles and grew up on the family farm outside of Orfordville, Wis. Jan married David L. Brown on November 26, 1965, at the Footville Church of Christ.

Jan attended Spring Valley Corners Grade School and Orfordville High School, graduating in 1963. As a youth, she played trumpet in the school band and was active in the Spring Valley 4-H Club for many years. She attended Minnesota Bible College from 1963 to 1965 and earned a Horticultural degree at Blackhawk Technical College later in life. Jan was employed by Gardner Baking Company, Bank One and K & W Greenery.

She loved her grandkids very much, enjoyed watching them grow up and loved being able to babysit her youngest grandchild Josh for many years. Jan was a member of Roxbury Church of Christ, where she was involved with the youth group, VBS, a nursery volunteer, financial secretary, a member of Mary Circle, involved in several Life Groups and the Quilting Club. She loved to quilt and gifted many of the quilts she made to relatives, friends, veterans and people in need. Jan also loved flowers and gardening.

Jan is survived by her husband, David L. Brown; her daughter, Amy (Jeff) Atkins; son, Michael (Jayne) Brown; and her grandchildren, Zach Atkins, Megan (Michael) Krall and Joshua Brown. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary (Bill) Gempeler, Virgene (Chip) Euler, Patty (Jeff) Moehrke, Vickie (Ken) Strand and Valerie (Scott) Hall; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren Lewis Bowles and Ethel Vivian Bowles; her in-laws, Roger L. and Vivian J. Brown; (step)mother-in-law, Bonnie Brown; and granddaughter, Ashley Atkins.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at ROXBURY CHURCH OF CHRIST, 2103 Roxbury Road, Janesville with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at noon. A luncheon will be provided afterwards. Burial will be held at a later date at the Bethel Cemetery in Center Township. Memorial donations can be made to Roxbury Church of Christ, Agrace HospiceCare or Rock River Christian Camp.

The family would like to thank the Agrace HospiceCare staff in Fitchburg for their kindness and compassion. We would also like to thank our family, friends, the Roxbury Church family and the Footville Church of Christ family for all their support and prayers.

HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.

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09/26/2025

Digital estate planning is a big part of getting your affairs organized. Many companies now provide a way to ensure that you can give trusted friends and family access to your accounts after your passing. For Google, this is the Inactive Account Manager. To learn more about this function, how it benefits you, and how it fits into your digital estate plan, click the link!

Do you have Google accounts? Then you may consider setting up a Google Inactive Account Manager to protect your information. Click for more!

09/26/2025

Roger D. Olson

Roger D. Olson, 80, of Janesville, Wisconsin, passed away at home on September 24, 2025.

Born August 25, 1945, in Plainfield, Wisconsin to Vilas and Bonnie Olson, Roger quickly made a name for himself as the person who could fix anything.

A proud and decorated Vietnam veteran, Roger served with valor in the U.S. Army. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat. His deep love for this country was evident in his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself. Like many of that generation, he carried the weight of that experience with quiet strength and resilience. He was a true patriot who loved the United States of America with an unwavering passion and believed deeply in the freedoms it represents.

Roger worked as a tool and die maker, where he was admired for his dedication, knowledge, good humor, and his work ethic. Outside of work, his passion for all things automotive led the way for countless hours in the garage. He enjoyed working on his many street rods, as well as helping his family with theirs, never walking away from a teachable moment. Over the years, he attended several car shows across the country where he would make great friendships that would stand the test of time.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, his children, Tammy Plemon (Jim), Roger Olson, Jr. (Christy), Michele Olson, Todd Olson (Amanda); his grandchildren, Mitchell Lee (Amy Landenwich), Maxwell Olson (Jess), Maddie Olson (Jordan Moder), Helaina Baker (Everett Edwardson), Harrison Baker, George Olson, Johnny Olson, Dixie Olson, Boomer Plemon, Nicole Murray (Matt); great-grandchild Grady Braaten; and countless friends who will forever miss his stories that were “mostly true.” He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of a memorial service, the family will host a celebration of life with immediate family and friends at a future date. Roger may be gone, but his humor and love will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.

View Roger D. Olson's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/25/2025

Robert M. Olson

Robert M. Olson, age 91, of Janesville, passed away on September 11, 2025, at UW Hospital in Madison from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle-pedestrian accident earlier that day in Janesville.

He was born on March 29, 1934, the only child of Byron and Alma (Steffy) Olson. He grew up in the Soldiers Grove, Wis. area where he graduated from high school. Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served from April 11, 1957 to April 10, 1959. He moved to Janesville with his mother and was employed by General Motors until he retired.

Robert was a member of U.A.W. Local # 95. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and taking care of his flowers.

Robert was preceded in death by his father in 1967 and his mother in 2003. He is survived by many neighbors and friends.

Graveside services and burial will be at noon on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at North Clayton Cemetery, rural Soldiers Grove, Wis. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 North Wright Road, Janesville, to be concluded with military rites by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post # 1621.

Henke-Clarson Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.

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09/25/2025

Virginia F. Weber

Virginia F. Weber, 88, of Janesville, died Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital – Madison. Virginia was born on April 10, 1937, in Janesville, the daughter of James and Florence (Fendo) Lipetri. She graduated from St. Patrick’s Grade School and Janesville High School. She married Ron Weber on December 21, 1963, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She worked at Parker Pen, Janesville Public Schools and Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Virginia enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends. She was always ready to participate in a game of cards or a trip to a casino. She took great pride in cooking and sharing her many recipes. If anyone needed anything, she was always there for them. The most unforgettable moment of her life was marrying her second-grade classmate, reuniting eight years after high school graduation. Virginia and Ron remained married for 53 years until his death on March 11, 2017.

Surviving are her two sons: Christopher (Joanne Cryer) Weber of Maplewood, MN and Andrew Weber of Stuart, FL; three grandchildren: Bryce, Syri and Annabelle Weber; her brother, Carl (Barb) Lipetri; her brother-in-law, Tom Weber; and sisters-in-law Pauline Weber and Frances (Vince) Kessenich. Her parents preceded her in death.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Rd., Janesville with Rev. Lee Meissner officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. A gathering will be held at the Janesville Rotary Gardens immediately following the service. Private interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorials may be made to GIFTS Men’s Shelter, YWCA Rock County or SSM Health Hospice in memory of Virginia Weber. Online condolences are welcome at www.henkeclarson.com

Virginia’s family wishes to thank the staff of SSM Health St. Mary’s and SSM Health Hospice for the wonderful care she received. A special thank you to all our family and friends who have been so supportive during this difficult time.

Henke-Clarson Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.

View Virginia F. Weber's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/24/2025

Out with the silk, velvet, and wicker! The article below details different types of furniture and fabrics to avoid so you can maintain a clean space.

Discover the furniture items cleaning experts avoid at all costs—and why these pieces could be a nightmare to keep clean in your home.

09/24/2025

Susan Margaret Francis

Susan Francis, 73, of Milton, Wisconsin, formerly of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully into Heaven on September 22, 2025, with her loving husband and son by her side.

Born in 1952, Susan shared 53 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Michael. Together, they raised their son, Christopher, and were dedicated members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rockford.

Susan had a deep love for the outdoors. She possessed a remarkable talent for gardening, meticulously planning and planting to create beauty wherever she went. Her passion extended to her home, where her keen designer's eye, often inspired by treasures from her favorite store, Hobby Lobby, made her house a welcoming and beautiful place for all. Her home was a gathering place, a "table of blessings" as her family described it, especially during Thanksgiving.

Susan's life was a testament to her love, generosity, and unwavering faith. Her family and friends are grateful for the 73 years they had with her. Although she will be deeply missed, they find comfort in knowing she is now with the God who created her.

Susan is survived by her husband, Michael Francis; her son, Christopher; her sisters, Lynne (Gene) Schrom and Katherine (William) Friz; and her nieces and nephews, Jeff (Susan) Schrom, Greg (Shedrina) Schrom, Andy (Kathy) Friz, Rebecca (Russ) Sermon, Libby Friz, and Lance Washington.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025 at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 North Wright Road, Janesville, WI. Pastor David Nelsestuen will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27th at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences are welcome at www.henkeclarson.com

View Susan Margaret Francis's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/23/2025

Thomas E. Downey

Thomas Edward Downey, beloved husband, father, brother-in-law, and uncle, passed away suddenly on September 20, 2025. Tom was born in Meriden, Connecticut to Charles and Barbra Downey.

He spent his childhood on the east coast developing a love for the ocean, New York pizza and the New York Knicks. He moved to Wisconsin in 1996 and resided in Wisconsin for most of his adult life. He took classes at Blackhawk Technical College and completed the Project Manager program. He married Sallie Hanna on September 28, 1998. They would have celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary on Saturday. Their joy was made complete upon the birth of their son, Grayson Thomas. Tom was a devoted father, a stay-at-home dad and business owner for the first 5 years of Grayson’s life. Tom even brought Grayson to Parker High School daily so Sallie could nurse their baby. Tom loved his family, his favorite sports teams and his job as Project Manager with Advantage Homes.

Tom was a master carpenter; even more, he was an artist. He could take an idea or a design and make it his own, adding his own special touch to the finished product. He helped renovate Ortmayer Hall at Trinity Episcopalian Church and completed numerous projects for family and friends. He was creative, detailed, and a true artisan.

Tom’s smile could light up a room. He loved to see his friends and family. He also loved planning and cooking meals to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. No one turned down a dinner invitation when invited and Tom was frequently asked to prepare one of his special dishes.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH, 2931 Lucerne Drive, Janesville, with Pastor Mike Bachmeyer officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Please join our family following the service for a luncheon at Faith Community Church until 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Grayson’s college fund in Tom’s honor. His heart overflowed with love and pride for his son and his desire was to provide for Grayson. Burial service will be held on Monday at 2:30 p.m. at Milton Lawns Memorial Park, 2200 Milton Ave., Janesville.

Henke-Clarson Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.

View Thomas E. Downey's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/22/2025

Fall looks different for everyone. For many of us, it means cooler temperatures and pumpkin madness. What are you most looking forward to this fall and why?

09/22/2025

09/19/2025

We all have things we want to accomplish before we die, which is why a bucket list is a great creative exercise. Take those hopes, dreams, and wishes – put them down on paper – make a plan to bring them to life. Check out this article to learn why bucket lists actually benefit your health and how you can create achievable goals!

We all have things we want to accomplish before we die, and creating a bucket list is a great way to track your progress! Click for more!

09/18/2025

Children already have a hard time correctly identifying their feelings, so when the strong emotions of grief are thrown in, it’s even more confusing.

Thankfully, books and stories are a research-proven way to help children understand what death is and realize they aren’t alone.
If you are walking alongside a child who’s grieving, consider using the power of storytelling to help them process what has happened.

For a list of possible books to consider, visit www.funeralbasics.org/10-story-books-grief-children-ages-3-12.