Janet Eubanks

Janet Vivian (Hedstrom) Eubanks, beloved sister, aunt, and sister-in-law, passed away peacefully the evening of July 25, 2022, at Brookdale Madison West.

She was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, on February 1 ^st , 1943, to Olga and Elmer Hedstrom.  She graduated as valedictorian in 1961 from Rhinelander Union High School and went on to Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, graduating cum laude in 1965.

Janet had a brilliant mind. Her career in the new field of computer programming began in Chicago when mainframe computers were room sized! She returned to Wisconsin and worked for DoIT, UW Madison for 40 years. There she led numerous projects in the accounting applications area. She was a gifted, innovative colleague who was a pioneer in her field, yet modest by nature, trusted and admired. She was also an inventor. Perhaps her most noteworthy brainchild, WISDM, an accounting application that is still in use throughout the UW System, allows users to access financial data via a much simpler Web interface.

Janet is survived by loving family members, including sisters Carol Gissing, Muriel Hedstrom, Karen Waldon and brother Alan Hedstrom and his wife, Janet. Also, nieces Anna Waldon, Lisa and husband, Daniel Lilley, and nephew Kai Hedstrom. Additionally, cousin Jill (Hedstrom) Chleboun, husband Bob, and family - Katie, Nick, and Holly.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Daniel Waldon.

Janet will be fondly remembered for so many wonderful qualities. Above all, family was central to her life. She was a private person, so kind and generous to her family members, and a doting aunt who found joy in enthusiastically engaging in her nieces and nephew’s lives.

She had an appreciation for Nature’s beauty. Her adventurous spirit took her to hike mountains in Norway when her brother, Alan lived there and to Grand Teton National Park to backpack with her sister, Karen. She loved visiting National Parks ever since family road trips in childhood inspired her. She had very fond memories of a trip out to Glacier and Olympic Parks with siblings and their families in 2002.  She had an enduring love of the Northwoods. There were many happy gatherings at cabins on Lake George and Thompson and times spent at Firefly and Crystal Lakes. Her love of Nature was reflected in the exquisite artwork with which she decorated her homes, including Jill Bedford photographs, beautiful ceramics and paintings found at Art Fairs.

Janet was a voracious reader, whose curiosity was boundless while her passions were many and varied. In her youth she devoured the entire set of the World Book Encyclopedia. She loved classical music, attending symphony concerts but also musicals at the Overture Center. She had more Elton John CDs than anyone we knew, while her fascination with Bob Dylan led her to own practically every book and movie about him. Sports were another of her interests. She loved watching the Tour de France on TV and took a deep dive into Badger Ice Hockey.

We know that Janet is now at peace after enduring several health issues over the past few years and setbacks in recent weeks. All of which she handled with gracious acceptance.

The family so appreciates the kind staff at Brookdale Madison West as well the compassionate support offered by Agrace over the past few weeks.

In accordance with Janet’s wishes there will be no funeral. A cremation is planned, followed by interment of her ashes in Rhinelander, next to her parents. The family hopes to have a private celebration of her life at a future date.

Memorials could be directed to any of the following to honor her love of Nature and education: National Wildlife Federation; The Nature Conservancy; the Sierra Club; and Luther College.

“The times they are a-changin..” Janet’s family will so miss her. She was a blessing in all our lives.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road  Madison

(608) 238-3434