Janice K. DeRuyter

Janice K. DeRuyter, age 74, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025. She was born on May 18, 1951 to the late Henry and Helen (Klug) Mertzig.

A loyal Green Bay Packers fan, she cheered them on every game with big enthusiasm. When she wasn’t rooting on her team, you could find her in the garden, hands in the dirt, coaxing blooms and vegetables into life. Animals seemed to sense her gentle heart; every stray or skittish creature knew they found a soft place to land with her. Jan took exceptional care of her husband, Rick, her partner through thick and thin. Their bond was rooted in deep love, everyday devotion, and more than a few shared laughs over home-cooked meals. She had a gift of cooking that never failed to bring people together. In the evenings, she loved to unwind by watching Chicago Fire with a bowl of popcorn.

Jan is survived by her husband: Rick DeRuyter; children: Lisa DeRuyter, Dana (Tim Hovind) DeRuyter, Mark DeRuyter, Richard DeRuyter; grandchildren: Andrew (Carrie Reinders) DeRuyter, Brandon Much, Mariah Much, Chris Hovind, Breanna (Brendan) Thomas, Michael Hovind, Cody (Starr) Rhodes-Concepcion; great grandchildren: Sheldon DeRuyter, Avery Coenen, Lillian DeRuyter, Brinley Thomas, Lakeza Concepcion, Winter Concepcion, Ember Concepcion, Leo Concepcion; and siblings: Richard Mertzig, Steven (Amy) Mertzig, Nancy (Randy) Fiedler, James (Arlene) Mertzig, Mary (John) Willson, Mark (Julie) Mertzig. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Helen Mertzig and sister-in-law and great friend, Patsy Mertzig.

Private family services will be held.

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