Gladys Mae Janecek

Gladys Mae Janecek, age 91, of rural Valley, WI, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at her home. She was born on September 5, 1934, to Wencil and Elva (Nale) Vitcenda. Gladys attended school in Valley and graduated from Hillsboro High School. Following graduation, she attended the Normal School for Teaching in Viroqua. She taught in Avalanche and Eastman schools for several years. She married Kenneth Janecek on September 4, 1954, at the First Congregational Church parsonage in Hillsboro. She was a Sunday School teacher, taught vacation Bible School, and wrote Christmas programs at her church in Valley. On the farm, she helped to raise her children, raised tobacco, was an avid gardener and enjoyed canning. Gladys also enjoyed birds and cats. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Survivors include her children, Avanell (special friend Gary Hagen) Leatherberry, Sheryl “Sherry”(Greg) Johnson, Romelle Heisel, Kevin (Shawn) Janecek, Kelvin (Diana) Janecek, and Renee (Kurt) Bauman; her grandchildren, Christy (Rod) Clemens, Scott (Dee) Leatherberry, Josh Johnson, Jake (Alicia) Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Katee Heisel, Tanner Heisel, Starr Janecek, Karen Janecek, Kristopher (Gena) Janecek, Kathy (Winston) Athey, Shelby (Patrick) Sullivan, and Kelli (Warren) Paulson; 21 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Wilma Subera and Anne Burns; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth; an infant sister; her brother, LaVerne Vitcenda; son-in-laws, Eldon Leatherberry and Randy Heisel.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Bear Creek Cemetery, La Farge. Pastor Mark Phillips will officiate. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the various caregivers that cared for Gladys.