Janis Carol Schmitz, 76, of Brussels, WI, passed away peacefully in her home on September 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family following a 2 ½ year battle with ovarian cancer. Born on January 8, 1950, the eldest daughter of Dorothy and George Schmitz Jr., Jan is survived by her husband Rick, daughter Greta (Rusty) Lockard and grandchildren Emmeline and Bennett. Jan is also survived by siblings Jerry (Judy), Debbie Peterson, Alan, and Tami, along with lifelong friends Linda Schlise Appleton and Linda Mraz (David Bice). She also had many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Jan was preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and George Schmitz, Jr., mother-in-law Wilma “Umma” Wolfe, brother Mark, brother-in-law Eli Peterson, and sister-in-law Arletta Gilbert. Jan was a 1968 graduate of Southern Door High School and a 1972 graduate of UW-Madison majoring in Early Childhood Education. Jan moved to Washington, D.C. and worked as a volunteer with VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) and then with the Headstart Early Childhood program in Frederick, MD where she met her future husband Rick Wolfe, the love of her life and best friend for over 50 years. They moved to Door County in 1978 and were married in 1984. Jan was a dedicated educator with the majority of her time teaching kindergarten at Southern Door. She retired in 2012 after 30 years of service. Jan was involved with Altrusa (a club dedicated to childhood literacy) and she served as a board member of the Door Kewaunee Retired Educators Association. She enjoyed her monthly Book Club and regular lunches with some of her closest Southern Door classmates. She participated in ballet for years, enjoyed flower gardening, was an avid Packer fan, and was usually the first one on the dance floor. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and her weekly outings with her sister Debbie. She was the ultimate host for the many family and friend gatherings. Jan was an advocate for women’s rights, children’s education, and well-being and caring for our planet. A private burial will be taking place and a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. Forbes Funeral Home is serving he family. A special thank you to Green Bay Oncology, DOOR CANcer, Inc. and Unity Hospice for all of their help and care given to Jan over the past two and a half years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in the spirit of Jan’s passions for peacemaking, child advocacy and care for the earth donations be made to: Boys & Girls Club of Door County, Door County Land Trust, Southern Poverty Law Center, or Wisconsin Public Radio in her honor. Jan was a shining light for peace and positivity. She will be remembered for her lifelong devotion to service and the uplifting of others. She will be greatly missed as she made the world a better place.