Jane Stella Nowicki

Jane Stella Nowicki, age 73, of DeForest, passed away on July 14, 2025. She was born on October 20, 1951, in Baraboo, the daughter of Paul Martin Madland and Elva Kowalke.

Jane was raised in Baraboo, where she attended local schools and graduated from Baraboo High School in 1969. She furthered her education at Madison Area Technical College (MATC), earning a two-year degree in Administration. After completing her studies, Jane worked as an Administrative Assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department's Detective Bureau. She was also proud to have served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 9 years.

On January 25, 1986, Jane married her beloved husband, Michael Louis Nowicki. The following year, she welcomed two sons into her life—Michael Jr. and Robert—and proudly embraced her role as their mom. Jane had an exuberance for life that was contagious. She loved meeting new people, working with them, and sharing joyful moments together.

She cherished her friendships, particularly with her high school classmates, many of whom remained close friends throughout her life. Jane's heart was also deeply devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandson, and she was known for her love of all things "Grandma." Jane had a passion for singing, writing poems, and telling jokes that brought joy to everyone around her. She also enjoyed fishing with family, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Baking was one of Jane’s greatest joys, especially during holidays and family gatherings, where her delicious treats brought people together. Jane even developed a cookbook that she shared with many, passing along her love for baking and her cherished recipes.

Jane is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Michael Louis Nowicki; her children, Michael Louis Nowicki Jr. (married to Kerri Hanson-Nowicki) and Robert Nowicki (married to Shannon Marie Nowicki); and her grandchildren, Austin Robert Nowicki, Dillon Michael Nowicki, Derek Michael Nowicki, and Addison Kay Nowicki; as well as her great-grandson, Noah Riley Nowicki. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Sharon Madland and Nancy Madland, as well as their children Todd Madland, Troy & Sandy Madland, brothers-in-law Jeff & Shari Hall-Nowicki, Louis & Tanya Nowicki, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and her beloved Aunt Betty.

Jane was preceded in death by her two brothers, Robert Madland and Thomas Madland; her parents, Paul Martin Madland and Elva Kowalke.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Jane's life will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home with Pastor David Horton officiating, a time of visitaiton will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery where Military Honors will be conducted. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Cancer Society in Jane's honor.

Jane's family and friends will remember her for her warmth, generosity, and the boundless love she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of kindness, hard work, and devotion to family and community will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.