Kelly Marie Janke- Prichard

Kelly Marie Janke- Prichard

October 31, 1960 - January 01, 2026

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Obituary

Kelly Marie (Van Kirk) Janke- Prichard, age 65, left our physical world on Thursday January 1st, 2026, at her home in Verona, WI after a courageous fight with Bulbar ALS with her husband Shane by her side.

Kelly is preceded in death by her parents Warren & Dolores Van Kirk; her sister LeAnn Hollet; and her beloved animals, Goose, Kodak, Scooter, & Templeton.

Kelly is survived by her husband Shane Prichard, and their son Joshua. She is also survived by two other sisters Jodie and Lynn, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, along with her feline Sami, and her true friend dog Bear.

Kelly grew up on a dairy farm in Humbird, WI, caring for the animals as she always did, helping her Dad, learning life from her Mom, and doing all farm things. After high school @ Alma Center, WI she eventually made it to Madison where she attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison and earned her Mathematics degree.

She went onto work in the business world running a commercial photography studio for many years. She realized there was something missing, and decided to go back to school and obtain her teaching degree. This lead her to connect with Shane, it was 1989, and the two quickly realized that their love was something that would last forever. Shane & Kelly were connected, and the perfect couple. She then went onto to work teaching high school math at Madison West High School for many years. Kelly often said that her students were like her own children, and she truly cherished each and every one of them throughout her career. Her warmth, dedication, and vibrant spirit made her a beloved presence at Madison West, a reputation that continued well beyond her retirement. Kelly’s commitment to her students extended far beyond the classroom—she faithfully attended graduation celebrations, athletic events, theater performances, and countless milestones, always offering encouragement, pride, and support. Her guidance, compassion, and presence touched the lives of many and will be fondly remembered.

After teaching Kelly and Shane spent as much time together as possible. Always enjoying life together, quick day trips or a couple of days were Kelly's style, laughing, enjoying life, and ordering take out from a different restaurant each week, called "date night" was for sure a highlight and experience Kelly looked forward to. Shane & Kelly visited Josh in New York City and always had the time of their lives, but if the If trip included a place for her dog that made it better, it was a must to some beautiful outdoor space, with trees, water, scenery, and nature. This is what filled Kelly's heart!

Most of all Kelly's true love was Shane. She said life with Shane was calm, relaxed, but with positive confidence that made her so happy. Her love for animals is what really set her apart. Goose, Kodak, and Scooter, her dogs early in her life lived right along side her each day. Templeton her first cat caught a soft spot in her heart, and most recently Sami her girl Cat, and Bear the dog were always number one to Kelly, and she would do anything for them. One of her last requests was that Bear and Shane would find a way to heal after her passing and that they would be ok everyday and remember her.

Kelly was the apple of her father's eye, a person that worried and would get pre-occupied, but in the end never showed it. She was calm, and sincere each and every day, and if you met her she truly loved talking to you, learning about you, and believing in you. That is what made Kelly so inspiring to everyone, her students, her family, anyone she met, and especially Shane.

Her life was full and filled with love. While in the end, she was not able to have many visitors, she appreciated the many texts, notes, flowers (even though she said flowers reminded her of funerals), please know her days were the brightest. As her ALS progressed Kelly & Shane were together everyday, and spent those at home, where she always wanted to be and felt so at peace. Caring for everything was Shane who never left, just as they always planned.

Thanks for the care team at Agrace Hospice during the final days, making the process seamless and calming, and allowing for Kelly to remain in her home. We are eternally grateful.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Brown Paws Rescue; https://www.brownpawsrescue.com/donations.
Dane County Humane Society https://www.giveshelter.org/how-to-help/donate , or Agrace https://www.agrace.org/donate/donate-today/ in Kelly's name.

A celebration of life for Kelly is planned:

January 31st, 12-3pm

Hawks Landing Banquet Hall / Golf Course

88 Hawks Landing Circle

Verona, WI 53593

Kelly's favorite Mexican foods and of course sugar cookies will be made available. Please wear casual clothing, this is a celebration to honor Kelly the way she would want it. Happy, vibrant, positive, and loving.


Events

31
Celebration of Life
Sat Jan 31, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST
Hawks Landing Golf Club Banquet Hall • 88 Hawks Landing Cir, Verona, WI 53593
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Memories

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Kelly Marie
CW
Cory Walsh
Coworker •
I was fortunate to get to know Kelly when she was a long term math substitute at Verona Area High School a few years ago. She taught in the room adjacent to mine. Kelly had a sparkle! She always had a smile on her face as she bounced around in her platform Converse, high pony tail and hoop earrings. She was fantastic with the students and it was amazing how she could hop right in mid year and students instantly trusted and gravitated toward her. I am saddened by her passing but grateful to have crossed paths with her! My deepest sympathy to her family.
SD
Susie Laverty Dietzel
Friend •
Kelly was a best friend in middle and high school, though I think she made everyone feel like they were her best friend. Like Patty, I lost track of her after high school, but I have so many good memories hanging together. I’m not surprised by the impactful memories shared by her students. That’s just the kind of person she was, even when young.
JB
Jeff Boucher
Classmate •
Kelly was a High School classmate of mine and a great childhood friend to my wife. I have fond memories of Kelly in high school, including she and I walking together at our Junior Prom. I (we) did lose touch with her after high school yet talked about trying to look her up. As a person whose father was a Jr High teacher and now a daughter teaching HS math, I know the impact teachers have on students. Outside of family teachers offer the most to the betterment of young people. As such it warms my heart to read the testimonials of so many of her students. It does not surprise me to now know the mentor she was, the kindness she offered, and the impact she had on those around her. Clearly Kelly made the world a better place; good on her!
PB
Patty (Barney) Boucher
Friend •
Kelly was one of my dearest childhood friends. I spent so many hours at her farm. It was at her house that I rode my first horse (Tex) and developed my love of horses! I saved every dime so that one day I eventually bought my own horse (Flicka). We spent hours riding horses in the summer and hours riding her snowmobile in the winter. We’d help milk the cows and feed the pigs, always playing with the little calves and piglets. I broke my leg at her house one time when I fell off the hay wagon out in the field. Kelly ran back to the house to get her Mom, who came driving into the field in their station wagon. Her Dad scooped me up and laid me on the backseat and her Mom took me home so my Mom could take me to the hospital. Her parents were like second parents to me. They actually let me drive their car when I went for my driver’s license test because our car was a stick shift and they had an automatic! Her mom actually made my wedding cake years later! We completely lost touch after high school and I always wondered where she was after college. She never came to any of the class reunions so I never knew where she was or what she was doing. It warms my heart to read about her life of teaching and to read testimonies from so many of her students. It also makes me so happy to read that she married a wonderful man named Shane and had a happy life with him! My condolences go out to Shane, and Josh, and Jodie and Lyn. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
LR
Lily Reiser
Friend •
How lucky the world was to be graced by Mrs. Janke. She was the type of teacher that truly made every student feel special. I feel immensely lucky to have known her during my time at West. Math felt like a foreign language to me, however she helped ease my anxiety and made it seem more accessible. My heart hurts knowing that she is no longer with us as her soul and kindness has impacted so many of us. Mrs. Janke made all of us better people. I think that if every student had a teacher like Mrs. Janke, the world would be a better place. May her memory be a blessing.
DT
Deniz Thranow
Friend •
Kelly is an amazing person, here on Earth and in every realm. Her love and kindness for her students and friends are limitless. I will always remember and cherish the positivity and love exudes from her whole being she generously shared with each one of us. With my prayers for her precious soul, her husband, son and all of loved ones.

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