Janis I. Scharmann

Janis “Jan” Iley Scharmann, age 79, passed away peacefully at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton on Sunday, March 2, 2025, surrounded by family.  She was born on February 23, 1946, in Appleton to the late Leroy and Iley (Meyer) Ruwoldt. She attended Appleton West High School and worked in customer service for JanSport for over 30 years until her retirement. On June 13,1964 she married Richard Scharmann of Appleton and together they raised four children and have 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way.

“Jan” enjoyed many things in life, but most important to her was her family.  She loved it when family and friends stopped over to chat or to play a game of cribbage. She was known as the cribbage “Queen” to her family.  No one ever wanted to lead into her as she would always 15 or pair it.  She always had the right card needed to gain points. She enjoyed sitting at the picnic table watching squirrels and birds and the neighbor’s dog Rizzo, sitting in the stands watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports.  She loved going out to eat particularly on Friday for fish. She enjoyed going on mini trips especially going to Michigan to visit Naqeeb, Loveeza and their family, getting pedicures, watching the Packers, Brewers, Bucks and NASCAR, and liked being on the Survivor and Football boards, even though she rarely won.  She enjoyed baking cookies, gardening, growing vegetables and canning pickles, strawberry picking and making jam.  She also loved to plant flowers in the spring with her favorite being geraniums and gerber daisies.

Above all Jan loved her family more than anything. What she loved the most was being called GG by her great grandchildren - they were the light of her world! She enjoyed being apart of their everyday lives and watching them grow.

“Jan” is survived by her four children: Todd Scharmann, Tammy (Ron) Volkman, Ty Scharmann and Tracy Oskey: 11 grandchildren; Nicole (Jon) Passehl, Trelee (Chris) Jentz, Naqeeb (Loveeza) Khan, Brady (Justine) Tonn, Caylee  Guyette (fiancé Hunter Horton), Connor Guyette, Elizabeth Volkman (significant other Levi Snortum), Emma Scharmann (fiancé Dillon Jurgerson), Mitchell Volkman, Thomas Scharmann ; six great grandchildren: Addison and Easton Passehl, Amayah and Idrees Khan, Steven and TJ Jentz; sister-in-law, Donna Kettleson; brother-in-law, Leon (Marcia) Meidam; many nieces, nephews; along with many friends; dear friend, Patti Martin; and special neighbors Brian and Jenny and dog Rizzo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Scharmann; parents, Leroy and Iley Ruwoldt; father and mother-in-law, Emil and Florence Scharmann; grandson, Riley Guyette; sister, Christine Meidam; brother, John Ruwoldt; and brother-in-law, John Kettleson.

The family would like to thank the local first responders, EMT’s, and paramedics, for their quick response; ThedaCare Emergency Room, ICU, and 6th floor doctors and nurses, and special thanks to Dr. Hendel for their care for our mother.

We would also like to thank our sweet and caring cousin Lana Ruwoldt for checking in daily and providing so much love and support during this difficult time.

Due to Jan’s husband Dick not being able to have a funeral during covid, her wishes are not to have one either.

Please join us on June 13, 2025, for a celebration of life for Dick and Jan at The Town of Center Hall, N3990 WI-47, Appleton, WI 54913 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 

May God bless her soul. 

She is now at peace and resting in a place of eternal love with dad.

Her gentle spirit, endless kindness, and unwavering care for everyone will forever remain in our hearts.

Though all our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort knowing that she is in a much better place, embraced by the peace and love she always gave to others.

“You were content to let us shine, that’s your way

We were the ones with all the glory

While you were the one with all the strength

A beautiful face a beautiful smile

Did you ever know that you’re our hero

And everything we would like to be

We can fly higher than an eagle

For you are the wind beneath our wings”

We will always and forever love you Mom, Grandma, and GG.

“Love ya lots and love you more."

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.