Jane Manus

Jane “Janie” L. Manus, 66, of Freeport died Friday, May 17, 2024 after an immensely brave battle with cancer.

Janie is survived by her husband Randall Manus, son Jeffrey Manus, daughter Abigail Manus, her grandson Amir Alexander White, her sisters Carolyn Esser of Freeport and Cheryl Scott (David) of Harkers Island, NC, her brother Ron Esser (Luann) of Loves Park, IL and her beloved nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, William and Opal Esser, her brother-in-law Bob Scott, and her daughter Lily Manus.

Janie was born on July 15, 1957 in Cuba City, Wisconsin to William and Opal Esser. Janie’s family lived near Lena and she graduated from Lena High School. She later relocated to Freeport, where she had a 25-year career working as an engineering technician at Honeywell.

In the spring of 1986, she met Randall “Randy” Manus, an attorney. They married on June 3rd, 1989. She earned her A.S. degree in Electronic Technology from Highland College four years later. In 1995, she gave birth to her first child, Jeffrey Randall Manus. Four years after, she endured the loss of her infant daughter, Lily. In 2003, Randy and Janie welcomed a daughter, Abigail Rose Manus.

Throughout her adult life, Janie was active in religious work and practice. Her impact was most recently felt at Martintown Community Church. She was a strong advocate for the arts and had a deep love for the theatre. A skilled and accomplished seamstress, she contributed to costumes for Winneshiek Theatre and other theatres, as well as crafting many personalized gifts for friends, family, and charity. She was an avid gardener, filling her yard with flowers and vegetable gardens.

She always provided a welcome home and support for family and friends in need.

Throughout her life, Janie Manus tried to make a difference in the lives of those she loved.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday June 27, 2024 at Martintown Community Church, W8996 Lena St, Browntown, WI 53522. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service. There will also be a visitation from 4-6 PM Wednesday June 26, 2024, at Burke-TubbsFuneral Home in Freeport. A memorial has been established in Janie's memory.