Janelle D. Rieper

In the early hours of November 9th, 2021, Janelle Diana Rieper passed away unexpectedly at her home in Taylor, Wisconsin. She was born to Brian and Michelle Rieper on March 23rd, 1986. At 3 months premature, the doctors said there was a 50% chance that she would live past the next 24 hours. When she made it, she was considered a “miracle baby.”

With her father in the military, Janelle was able to travel around the United States with her family. She was fortunate to have experienced living in Minnesota, Idaho, Hawaii, Colorado, Oklahoma, and settled at home in Wisconsin by fifth grade to be close to family. 

After high school, she left for UW Barron and completed several courses. Ultimately, she went on to explore administration, retail, and organic agriculture. Anywhere she worked she brought contagious joy. 

In 2017, she began dating the love of her life, Josh, who had previously been her childhood friend. They lived happily in Eau Claire and later Taylor, Wisconsin. She considered Josh’s two children her children, also. Giving her love to them gave her life.

Janelle’s passions included singing, drawing, gaming, hiking and adventuring, animals, family, and friends. She enjoyed crafting healthy meals for visitors, often experimenting with a new ingredient. Many people loved her, notably her best friends Alyssa (Thoms), Shawna (Clough), and Hannah (Drawbert). 

Across the board, those who had the blessing to have known Janelle would tell you that she had a radiance about her. She would walk in wearing a fur coat and big hair and would brighten the room. She developed a special bond with all who met her as she would intentionally spark a genuine conversation with anyone willing. 

Janelle was quite feisty like her Grandma “Hurricane Diane” and was known for being able to “get away” with saying things that most people couldn’t. Her sense of humor was excellently witty. It was easy to laugh along with her.

She is survived by her parents, Brian and Michelle (Rieper); her sister and brother-in-law, Alyssa and Adam (Thoms); her boyfriend Josh and his son Steven (Fenner) and his daughter Kylie (Patrow); her aunts and uncles Mark and Lisa (Rieper), Mike (Freeman), Kim (Mussa), Tammie (Moe), Lisa (Knapp-Rieper), Julie (Rieper); countless cousins; and her dogs Rocko and Baby Girl. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Paul (Rieper), Barb and Gary (Cook), Bill and Diane (Freeman); her uncle Mick (Moe); her cousin Becki (Mussa); and her cat Lakotah.

Funeral service for Janelle will take place at 12 pm on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Harvestime Church, 3625 Southwind Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Pastor Kim Buckman officiating. Visitation will take place at the church Wednesday morning from 10 am until the time of service. Committal service will take place on Wednesday afternoon at 3 pm in the Prairie View Cemetery, 4061 N Prairie View Rd, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Janelle’s honor to the Chippewa Humane Association, 10501 County Hwy S, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 as it was where Janelle previously volunteered and adopted her favorite cat, Lakotah. chippewahumane.com/donations.html

We appreciate the love and support of our friends and family through this difficult time.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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