Jayne Joyce Deering (nee Hanke) left her earthly bonds on Aug. 5, 2024, after 97 years to join her Lord in heaven.
She lived a life of service to her family, her community, her church and her country. Born near Underhill in 1927, Jayne was raised in a single parent home with her six siblings during the Great Depression. The poverty of the times taught her the value of hard work, thrift, gratitude and the importance of family. Jayne graduated valedictorian from Shawano High School in 1945.
In 1947, she married Norman Deering and followed him to Platteville, Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico as he pursued a career in mining engineering. They returned to Wisconsin in 1964 with four children and settled in Wisconsin Rapids to welcome their fifth child, build their careers and live out the remainder of their lives.
Jayne became active in municipal government, serving on the Common Council from 1973-79. She also served on the Planning Commission, the Redevelopment Authority Commission, the Police and Fire Commission and the Industrial Park Commission. Jayne was the personnel operations manager at Pranges, retiring in 1989.
After her retirement, Jayne took up golf and became a formidable competitor. She found joy in travelling with her husband, visiting their children and grandchildren and wintering in the Rio Grande Valley. Jayne was an avid volunteer at church, the library and the retirement home.
She served as a member of the Priscilla Circle, the Reception Committee and the Funeral Committee at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, where she also taught Sunday School and adult Bible studies.
Throughout her life, Jayne was a vociferous reader of political thought. She could quickly get to the crux of a matter. She was also kindhearted and a wonderful friend. She had the gift of making everyone feeling special. Jayne took a personal joy in being a secret benefactor to many people. It was one of her holy moments.
Jayne is survived by her five children, Neil Deering (Rosemary) of Kalispell, Montana, Kelly Jansen (Larry) of Viroqua, Kenneth Deering (Renee) of Gardnerville, Nevada, Robert Deering (Shelly) of Juneau, Alaska, and Tamra Presley of Kalispell, Montana. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be remembered at her church of almost 60 years, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids.
Her funeral service will be held on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church with visitation from 9-11 a.m. Her interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. where she will be laid to rest next to her mother, husband, and brothers and sisters. A memorial is established at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.
Herman Taylor Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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