FENNIMORE - Janet Ann “Janann” Barnes, age 85, passed away on Friday evening July 11, 2025, at the Soldiers Grove Health Services. She was born on January 13, 1940, the daughter of Gerald and Helen (Hayes) George. She grew up on a farm in rural Gays Mills where she graduated from Gays Mills High School. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Barnes on January 27, 1959.
Kenneth was a United Methodist Minister, and together they lived throughout Wisconsin with Janet serving as a beloved Pastor's wife. Janet loved assisting with all the pastoral duties of the church while raising their three children. They finished their ministries in the community of Boscobel and retiring in his grandfather’s home in Fennimore. Janet enjoyed rose mulling, crafts, singing and playing the organ, and coffee hour with friends.
Janet is survived by her daughter, Beth Ward of Eau Claire, two grandchildren: Jenni (Zach) Fotzler and Ashley (Kane) Edge, both of Fennimore; and six great grandchildren: Ryker and Mack Fotzler, Mykala (Derek) Handfelt, Aubrey and Tripp Edge, and Brayden McNeil (Father Donnie McNeil).
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, husband Reverend Kenneth Barnes, two sons: Bruce and Bradley Barnes, son-in-law Earl Ward, granddaughter Sarah Walker, sister Geraldine Lester, brother Don George, and nephew Jim Lomas.
Funeral Services
A private family graveside service will be held.
Burial Services
Prairie Cemetery
Fennimore, Wisconsin