Janice R Christensen

Janice R. Christensen, of Madison, passed away on August 28, 2024, five days shy of her 89th birthday, of complications from a fall. Jan had overcome many health issues over the years, often to the surprise of medical professionals, but not her family and friends who knew her courage and strength.

Jan was born on September 2, 1935, in Cincinnati, OH, to Herbert S. and Augustine C. (nee Lavanier) Reitzes. She was a 1953 graduate of Western Hills High School where she excelled as both a student and athlete. She was captain of her field hockey team, a lifeguard, and a member of the synchronized swimming team. During her senior year, a teacher at Western Hills encouraged Jan to apply for a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati. She received a full scholarship to UC and became the first member of her family to attend college, graduating first with an associate degree in Business in 1955, and then a bachelor of science degree in Education in 1957. She went on to earn her MBA from Indiana University in 1958 at a time when she was one of only a handful of women in the program.

Jan taught at Ohio University in Athens, OH, and at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, before moving to Madison in 1964 with her then-husband Richard Christensen. Jan took a break from teaching to raise her two kids but returned to the classroom in 1972, when she accepted a position in the Business Department at Madison Area Technical College. She taught Business Management and Business Math at MATC for 26 years, retiring in 1998.

Jan said that her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren, whose accomplishments brought her enormous pride. She loved being with her family for the holidays and enjoyed decorating her house for each one. Her pumpkin bread recipe was a closely held secret and a highly anticipated Christmas treat. She loved Christmas shopping, especially stocking stuffers which overflowed the stockings to the fireplace mantle and floor.

Jan is survived by her son, Eric (Brenda) Christensen, Cottage Grove; and her daughter, Leslie (Ed Treleven) Christensen, Madison. She is also survived by her grandsons Aaron (Peyton) and Austin; her sister, Joan Wilkinson, Cincinnati, OH; her sister-in-law Carol Reitzes; and her cousin Cathy Barker; her nieces and nephews; and special friends Allen Barkoff and Susan Wineke. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Linda Bankard; her brother, Herbert Thomas 'Tom' Reitzes; and her dear friend, Caroline Walker. 

Jan's family would like to thank Dr. Charles Hodulik, her psychiatrist of many years. His care and dedication to helping Jan manage her bipolar disorder are deeply appreciated and gave her hope after years of struggling with her mental health.

Jan supported many organizations throughout the years. Memorials in Jan's name can be made to NAMI Wisconsin at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/nami/ or the Madison College Foundation at https://www.supportmadisoncollege.org/make-a-donation/.

 A gathering to celebrate Jan's life will take place on Sunday, September 15 from noon to 4:30 pm at 5209 Dorsett Drive in Madison.