Janet Spanbauer

Janet G. Spanbauer, age 85, of Green Bay, WI, died peacefully at Saint Vincent’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family on Friday morning February 21, 2025. Janet was born in Rhinelander, WI on March 20, 1939, the daughter of the late William and Veronica (Letter) Roberts. In her youth she enjoyed sports and excelled as a speed skater winning a significant number of events. Janet was a graduate of Oshkosh, WI High School class of 1957 and then attended the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. Janet soon met and married William Reabe of Waupun and they had four children: Wendy (Rocky) Schwersinske Berlin, WI, William (Jacklyn) Reabe California, MD, Brad (Cheri) Reabe Pembine, WI and Bart (Judy) Reabe Hollywood, MD. The family moved several times with Bill’s work and Janet made the best of it. She was foremost a loving mother, a substitute teacher, Jaycettes president, teacher, camper, fisherman, Pom Pom coach, trap shooting vice-president, Principal’s assistant, High School Administrator, and all-around proud cheer and sports mom. Janet found her most enjoyment supporting all school sports as the Athletic Director’s assistant at both Eau Claire Memorial and Appleton West High Schools where she received an award for outstanding contributions at the famed Red Smith Banquet. After Janet’s move to Oshkosh, she met her husband Mike Spanbauer, where she was welcomed into a large new family. They enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, darts and just being with each other and the newly blended family. After Mike’s passing Janet moved to Green Bay to be closer to family and to cheer grandchildren and their friends on. Janet supported local amateur, semi-pro, and pro sports teams including watching family sporting events on the internet while watching the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, St. Norbert hockey, or golf at the same time on TV. Janet made many friends where she resides at Crystal Lake with whom she enjoyed cheering on the Brewers & Packers, playing cards, walking, swimming, and doing puzzles. She retired in 2001 from Appleton West High School then began volunteering at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church where she loved to talk sports with Father Bob. She continued to strengthen her Catholic faith and will always be remembered as the grandma who would light a candle and pray for us in times of need and to thank God for His blessings. Janet is preceded in death by her parents, her half-brothers Bill and Ed Roberts, her husband Bill Reabe, and husband Mike Spanbauer. Janet is survived by her blended family of 11 children plus a plethora of grandchildren and great grandchildren. A special thank you to daughter-in-law Rita Reabe for her selfless support to Janet through the years. We would also like to thank her close friends at Crystal Lake for their multiple rides, doctor visits and shopping support, her card buddies, Kroc Center pals, the staff at Unity Hospice, Saint Vincent Hospital, and her several Oncology Doctors and Nurses. Funeral service will be held Friday, February 28, 2025 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church of Green Bay. Visitation prior to service 9:00 am to 10:45 am, with service at 11:00 am. Inurnment will take place on a later date at Lakeview Memorial Park of Oshkosh. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established by the family. If you cannot attend the service it will be livestreamed on the following link https://www.youtube.com/@saintmatthew426/streams

Janet Spanbauer

March 20, 1939 - February 21, 2025