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 tho 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. Dane County Humane Society, or Agrace 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.

Kelly Marie Janke- Prichard

October 31, 1960 - January 01, 2026

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