Janice Marsh Obituary

Janice Elaine Marsh

March 30, 1939 - August 31, 2025

Janice Elaine Marsh passed away peacefully at Liberty Village of Tomah on August 31, 2025, at the age of 86, with family by her side.

She was born in Mauston, Wisconsin on March 30, 1939, to loving parents Marvin and Ruth (Scovell) Fry. She spent her youngest years in New Lisbon and then moved to Necedah with her family in time to enter the eighth grade. Janice enjoyed band, glee club and cheerleading and graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1957.

Janice went on to study nursing at Madison General Hospital where she was a graduate of the class of 1960. She would continue that Nursing path for over four decades primarily in geriatric care. She is remembered fondly by many whom she taught, mentored, and worked with over the years.

In 1961, she married her sweetheart Donald Marsh at the Necedah Methodist church, and they started their life together in Madison. Don's job transferred them around the lower part of Wisconsin where they brought up two daughters, Julie, and Diane. Along with Don, she eventually took over the family tavern that brought them back to Necedah and close to her parents and father-in-law.

Don and Jan enjoyed fixing up the old house they bought upon moving back to their hometown. They would call this home for 46 years, making many friends and joining the community. Janice believed in community service and enjoyed her years volunteering with Beta Sigma Phi, Lioness, the Necedah Alumni Association, the Bayview Cemetery Committee and her 17-year dedication to the Necedah Community Library.

Janice enjoyed quilting, camping, fishing, baking, and spending time with her grandkids. She also enjoyed her trips around the globe with family and friends, bringing home Christmas tree ornaments from each of her adventures.

After lovingly raising two daughters, Janice was tickled to receive two sons-in-law into her family followed by four grandchildren and significant others and then six great grandsons. Each baby was held in her strong and caring hands.

Janice is survived by her daughters, Julie (Scott) Thoreson of Germantown, Wisc., and Diane (Randy) Waddell of Tomah, Wisc. Grandchildren, Sean (Kirsten) Thoreson, Skylar Thoreson, Jenna (Will Gruenert) Waddell and Seth (Danielle) Waddell. Great grandsons, Oliver and Arthur Thoreson, Jackson and Beckham Waddell, and Aceyn and Buckley Christoffel. She is further survived by her sisters-in law, Jeanine Fry, Cheri (Arnold) McMillan, Nan (Donavon) Mayer, and brother-in-law, Garry (Janet) Marsh. She was honored to be family with many nieces; nephews; and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don in 2024; her parents; in-laws, Bill and Lasca Marsh; brothers, Myron and Gene Fry; brother-in-law, James Davis; niece, Erika Davis; and uncle, Wilber Alexander.

The family is grateful for the respectful and compassionate care that Janice received at Liberty Village in Tomah, along with Sequoia Integrative Medical Services and Tomah Hospice.

Memorials may be given to the Janice (Fry) Marsh Nursing Scholarship, distributed by the Necedah High School Alumni Association, or a library of choice.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Necedah. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. The Torkelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.