Janice Ann Chilsen, 62, of Ellsworth, Maine, died surrounded by loved ones at her sister’s home on Monday, March 23, 2015, after a brave eight-month fight against cancer.
She was born on February 19, 1953 to Valdemar and Shirley (Kislinger) Chilsen. A 1971 graduate of Merrill High School, Janice attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout and University of Wisconsin-Madison before biking to her beloved Maine to be closer to the ocean.
For 23 years, Janice worked at the prestigious Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, where she became a senior genotyping technician.
Janice is survived by her beloved sister Deb (Jeff Olson) of Merrill; two brothers, Joe (Pat) of Onalaska, and James (Claudia Grosz) of Evanston, Ill.; and eight nephews and nieces, Seth Chilsen of Wausau, David, John and Mindy Olson of Merrill, Abby and Sam Chilsen of Onalaska; and Max and Maya Chilsen of Evanston, Ill. She also leaves behind good friends Tim, Susan B., Sue T., Alex, Pat M., Pat C., Karen and her women’s group companions. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; her good friend Arthur; and her cats, Frankie and Johnny.
A memorial service for Janice will be held at 6:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. The family will receive friends beginning at 4:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Special thanks to Sharon and Sam of LeRoyer Hospice and Dr. Rezazadeh and staff at Aspirus Regional Cancer Center in Wausau, WI.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to her brother, Joe Chilsen, 500 10th Ave. North, Onalaska, WI, and family will forward to Jan’s favorite charities.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com