Janet Van Den Hout

Janet Mary Van Den Hout, age 90, of Berlin, WI, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 18, 1934, in West Allis, Wisconsin, to Henry and Louise Kau. Janet was the oldest of eight siblings - Joan, Judy, Kathy, Larry, Karen, Vickie, Darlene, and grew up on the family farm, where she learned the value of hard work and perseverance. Janet married Walter Van Den Hout on August 1, 1953, and together they raised five children. She worked in various clerical roles throughout her life and was also a waitress in numerous restaurants and taverns. In her retirement, Janet and Walter moved to Arizona to enjoy the sunshine and warmth. After her husband Walter passed in 2002, Janet remained in Arizona joyriding in the mountains and continued living life to the fullest. In 2017 Janet returned to Wisconsin to be near her family and friends. A woman full of life, Janet was truly the life of the party. She was active in her retirement communities, orchestrating many card games, pancake breakfasts, singles dinners, and parades, always ensuring the fun never stopped. Janet was also a card shark—whether it was Cribbage, Gin Rummy, Bridge, Sheepshead, Euchre, or Poker, if there was a deck of cards, Janet was playing. She was typically the first to deal and the last to leave, often with a few extra coins in her purse. Janet loved showing the guys that they weren’t as smart as they thought! Traveling was another of Janet’s passions. If the truck was going down the road, Janet was always ready to jump in and tune in the radio to old time country music. She also developed a love for cooking, experimenting with new recipes, though she never made the same one twice. Janet enjoyed watching a Hallmark movie or a Green Bay Packer game with her family. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Louise Kau; her siblings, Larry Kau and Kathy Licht; her brother-in-law Joe Felske; and her husband, Walter Van Den Hout. She is survived by her children, Joel (Wendy) Van Den Hout, James Van Den Hout (Nancy Reynolds), Joy (Clay) Masters, Jeff (Sheryl) Van Den Hout, and Jene (Sarah) Van Den Hout. Janet also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Eric (Rachel) Van Den Hout, Ben (Annie) Masters, Jordan (Heather) Masters, Zack (Angie) Van Den Hout, Josh (Virginia) Van Den Hout, Paige (Dan) Bednar, Hannah Masters, Cole Van Den Hout, Garrett (Angela) Van Den Hout, Breanna (Matt) Malczewski, and Jeremiah (Liz) Pruetz, as well as seventeen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to pass on a special thanks and appreciation to the nurses and healthcare providers for their kindness and compassionate care for Janet and her family. In accordance with Janet’s wishes, a private family gathering will be held in her honor. Janet’s vibrant spirit, her love for family, and her unforgettable sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew her. With the last hand dealt, rest peacefully Warden.

Janet Van Den Hout

October 18, 1934 - December 5, 2024