Janet Fay (Dowse) Krauklis

Janet Fay Krauklis, 97 passed away Friday, March 22, 2024 in hospice care at RidgeStone Assisted Living Communities in Elkhorn.  She was born on February 12, 1927, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, the youngest child of Will and Theresa (Fricke) Dowse.  She grew up in Bowers and Spring Prairie, attending grade schools there.  Janet was a 1945 graduate of Elkhorn High School and attended Whitewater Teachers College for business, until leaving early to accept a secretarial position with the Alfred Godfrey law firm in Elkhorn.  Except for taking time off to raise her family, Janet remained with Godfrey’s until her retirement in the 1990’s.

On December 10, 1949, Janet married Eugene (Gene) Krauklis at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elkhorn with the Rev. Walter Diehl officiating.  Eugene preceded her in death on January 22, 2023, after 73 years of marriage.

Janet was an active and determined woman who loved the outdoors her entire life after growing up on farms.  She enjoyed hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and tending to her vegetable and flower gardens well into her later years.  She especially delighted in her many years spent bowling in the Elkhorn women’s leagues, and couples with Gene, where they both made many lasting friendships.  She finally hung up her ball at age 85 after a lengthy career and attending numerous state and national tournaments. 

Above all, Janet loved her family and especially entertaining on the holidays, hosting an ever-growing family for several decades.  Her prowess at baking perfect pies and Christmas cookies and candies, which she generously and freely shared, is legendary among her friends and family and will be greatly missed.  She was always up for a game of Sheepshead and enjoyed a good laugh.  And, whenever help was needed, Janet was always among the first to volunteer and step up.

Janet is survived by her sister Rispah Gamble of St. Louis, Missouri; sons Jim (Carol) and Gene (Linda) of Elkhorn and Jeff of Onalaska, Wisconsin; grandchildren Travis (Tara), Callie (Tony) Coello, Adam (Emily), Brandon (Jenny) and Chris (Therese); sixteen great-grandchildren and numerous friends and extended family.  She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene; parents; half-brothers Harry and George Miller; brothers Bill and Carl Dowse; sister Betty Jane; sisters-in-law Ethel Miller, Jean Miller, Vera Dowse and Betty Dowse; brothers-in-law Ted Gamble and Harley Schwering; great-grandson Jonah; several aunts and uncles, and one cousin.

A private graveside service will be held with burial at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Spring Prairie.  Online guest book at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.  Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory completed arrangements for the Krauklis Family.  The family wishes to thank the staff at RidgeStone for their help and care of Janet these past three months and Aurora hospice for tending to her final needs.  Contributions may be made in Janet’s name to Aurora Hospice or a charity of your choice.