Michelle Jansen

Michelle Ann Jansen passed away on July 8, 2025 surrounded by her family in Kenosha, WI.

She was born in Great Lakes, IL on November 4, 1951, and lived most of her adult life in Zion, IL, after relocating from Maine with her family. Graduating from Zion Benton High School Class of 1969.

She was married to her high school sweetheart Thomas Jansen on July 11, 1970 at the United Methodist Church in Zion, IL .They would have celebrated 55 years of marriage just days after her death.

Michelle was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, great aunt and a friend to everyone she met. Those who knew her will remember her as a warm, smart, creative and a giving friend to so many. She never visited anyone without freshly made cookies or her great muffins in hand. She was admired for her beautiful handiwork, crafting, crocheting, beautiful calligraphy, sewing and sock monkeys that she shared freely with those she loved.

She worked at The Leader Dept Store and Dairy Queen in her youth. She was a trained beautician, certified master gardener, and also taught Pre-school at Windy Tots.

One of Michelle’s most important roles after raising her children, was as a devoted affectionate grandmother to Ken and Pam’s boys Alex, Luke and Matt.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Jansen; her children Kenneth Jansen (Pam), Miranda Jansen (Andrew); her grandchildren, Alexander, Lukas and Matthew Jansen. Her mother Shirlee Pierson; sisters, Ronda Buttera, and Lee Peschke (Dave); brothers, Duffy Richardson (Nichole), and Andrew Richardson (Janene); in addition to many nieces and nephews.

Michelle was preceded in death by her grandmother, An Solberg whom she cared for in her later years; her father, James Richardson; and her in-laws Howard and Barbara Jansen.

Private Services were held August 9, 2025. 

Donations may be made in Michelle's name to Pancreatic Cancer Research.