Helen "Janie" Fortney

Helen Jane “Janie” Fortney died May 14, 2023, at Bethel Oaks in Viroqua. She was born on January 11, 1927, to Henry and Helen (Etterlie) Hoffland in Viroqua, WI. As a teen, she ushered at the theatre, and worked as a clerk at Tate’s Towner and Barron’s Dept. Store in La Crosse. She graduated from Viroqua High School in 1944 with cum laude honors and began college, but left school to work alongside of her father as secretary of the Consolidated Cigar Company where she was employed from 1944-1949. She married the love of her life, Atley G. Fortney on August 7, 1948. Together they raised 6 children, Jim, Jeff, Joe, Julie, Jackie and Jay. They dairy farmed, raised beef and tobacco, and also owned and operated Atley’s Village Inn for 33 years. At age 65, Janie became librarian of the Readstown Library. It was located in a house at that time. She immediately got to work, setting up the card catalog and Dewey Decimal System, repairing books and handwriting a card in each. Knowing they needed a better facility, she helped write a grant to purchase the building that now houses the library. She designed the floorplan, sanded and stained new shelf boards, enlisted volunteers to help, and was instrumental in turning it into a beautiful and up to date library. Janie remained the librarian there for 21 years, until age 86, touching many lives along the way. Throughout her life, she put the needs of others before her own. She worked tirelessly taking care of her family who were her pride and joy. Janie was an optimistic person, no matter how hard or painful things got, she kept a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She was honored as a Senior of Distinction by Vernon County for her many contributions to the community. Janie was an amazing cook and baker. She loved dancing to big band music with Atley, watching sports, and reading. She will be remembered by those who knew her best for her upbeat personality, intelligence (she was very smart & enjoyed learning new things), her love of animals (in particular her cats Fred, Fluffo and Melly), her natural beauty, and kind & generous heart.

Janie was preceded in death by her husband Atley; his siblings & their spouses; her brother, Harold “Buzzy” Hoffland & his wife Dorothy; grandson, Jared Fortney; nephews, Damon & Darrell Fortney and Wayne Peterson; and niece, Dianna Fortney Flavin.

She is survived by her children, Atley James (Ruby), Jeffrey, Joseph (Darlene), Julie (Larry Peterson), Jackie (Roger Getter), & Matthew Jay (Lisa); grandchildren: James, Jason, Jeremy, Cole, Logan, Jonathan, Joseph, Kimberly & Luke Fortney, Joe & Jeremy Simonson, Angela Kast, Terry & Ryan Paulson, Angela Salmon, Joshua Hanson, Leslie Getter-Henrikson, Jessica Huschka, Kristin Pagel, Brandon Zeaman, Katie Sabalones, Travis Fronk, Miranda Holmes, Megan Culpitt, & Eliana Walz; 27great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; & her nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Bethel Oaks and St Croix Hospice for their compassionate care of Janie in her last days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Kickapoo United/Peace Lutheran Churches, Driftless Humane Society, Readstown Advancement Association or the charity of your choice.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Kickapoo United Lutheran Church. Pastor Carrie Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 19, at Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Additional visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from Noon until the time of the service. Janie will be laid to rest at the Readstown Cemetery. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Janie's family.

123 W. Decker St.

Viroqua, WI 54665

608-637-2100

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