Janice Kelling

Born in Milwaukee, WI March 1947 to Alice and Harvey Sorgel, along with sister Audrey, nieces Ann (Williams)(Jim) and Deborah (Winkelman) and great niece Greta, she grew up in Milwaukee, married and had one child daughter Wendy Janke (Stolper). Janice found love with Carl Kelling, (Brookfield) but God called him within a year of their marriage. As always, God had a plan and reunited her with high school sweetheart Joe Caravella. The love Joe and Jan found in each other’s company was spent traveling to Maricopa AZ, spending time with family and volunteering together. Facing Breast Cancer, Joe was by her side as well, as well and through the insidious beginning stages of Alzheimer’s. Janice will be remembered for her warmth, generosity and making every single individual feel included and special. She will also be missed for her fun-loving spirit and even sassiness few saw coming. Making others happy, was the source of hers which started early on with her deep devotion to her small family.

Being a single mom -back in the day when it was not acceptable- she raised her only child, daughter Wendy. Early on, joint outdoor activities and crafts with a few vacations were a given as she tried to give Wendy the best life she could. Focusing on her devotion as a mother, she gave up her dream of attending college but that didn’t stop her from shining. She worked next door to Wendy’s school for decades as an outstanding, personable and talented Medical Assistant, transitioned into the corporate world as an Executive Assistant, then combined both skills at Wheaton Franciscan Laboratories and eventually the Blood Center of WI where she was an Executive Assistant.As Wendy grew, so did their bond and love of baking cookies, especially for Christmas. It became their big tradition with countless fun stories!

This slowed down when her loving grandsons Benjamin and Alexander/Xander were born (2006, 2010). To say Janice embraced being a grandparent (Nana) would be a huge understatement. Without question, her biggest pride and joy were her grandsons. It wasn’t spoiling she did best (not that she didn’t) it was hands activities and fun time with these boys! This love was reciprocal that even as teens/adult, Ben and Xander made time to brighten her spirits until the very end of life.

Nana’s blue print is unmistakable. Every polite “thank you”, every door held open and every act of patience from her grandsons is a direct reflection of her devotion. She didn’t just help raise them, she left her heart in their manners. She wasn’t just present in their lives, she left her heart in their manners. She will truly never be gone.