DELAVAN – Janet H. Persinger, age 84, of Delavan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Felician Village in Manitowoc. She was born on November 16, 1940, in Highland, Wisconsin, to Merle and Mary (Bomkamp) Draves.
On May 9, 1959, Jan was united in marriage to the love of her life, Gerald Persinger, in Richland Center. They shared 34 years together before his passing in 1993.
Jan worked as a bank teller at Citizens Bank for many years and also held positions with Dr. Morrison’s office and Phoenix School in Delavan. A dedicated member of the Delavan Lioness Club, Jan was known for her commitment to her community and her kind, dependable nature.
She loved being out in the sun, especially in her yard and casting a line. Jan took great pride in tending to her flower beds and never passed up a chance to jump in the boat to reel one in, especially on her annual summer vacation trip up north. She was a fierce and playful competitor at the card table—just ask anyone who made the mistake of trumping her trick! Christmas was truly Jan’s favorite time of year. She embraced the season wholeheartedly, always going out of her way to make everyone feel special. Her generosity knew no bounds, if there was someone in need, Jan was already there, helping however she could.
Jan’s children were close to her heart, but her grandkids were her whole world. She would often host sleepovers with them; making sure to not miss a Friday fish fry, ice cream before bed, and breakfasts in her tiny kitchen. She was their biggest supporter from sports, school, to their crazy plans and dreams. She also enjoyed vacationing with her family. When she became a great grandmother, she joyfully accepted the title of GiGi.
She was the heart of every family event, often showing her love through food. Her apple pie was a must, and her famous potato salad was practically legendary, no gathering was complete without it. Jan was a great cook who loved trying new recipes and mixing things up in the kitchen. But she had a soft spot for Mexican food, whether it was Taco Bell on the go, or an authentic sit down, if there were nachos involved, she was all in.
Even in her later years, Jan’s spark and sass never dimmed. She loved playing bingo at Felician Village and took just as much joy in winning quarters as she did in tipping the nurses who cared for her—with either her winnings or a little chocolate treat. And when it came to her great-granddogs, she affectionately referred to them as “little turkeys,” always making everyone smile with her humorous spirit.
Ma P, is survived by her children, Bill (Joy) Persinger of Reedsville, Rick (Lisa) Persinger of Hudson, Deb (John) Turner of Baraboo, and; 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Kathy (Dennis) Johnson; and brothers, Mike and Herb Draves.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Gerald; her daughter, Denise; her son, Robert; her sisters, Marilyn, Colleen and infant sister Carolyn; and brothers Jerry and Jim.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Monroe Funeral Home, 604 E. Walworth Avenue in Delavan. Visitation will take place from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Andrews Cemetery in Delavan.
To leave an online condolence, please fill out your message in the box below. You will then be taken to another screen which you can leave your name and email (No website URL needed). Simply comment as a guest and your condolence will be posted.
