Jannette Marie McMunn

Jannette Marie McMunn, age 59, of Verona, Wisconsin, passed away on August 30, 2026, at her home. She was born October 11, 1966, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to parents C. Edward and Mary Ellen Wall. She attended Olney Friends School in Barnesville, Ohio, and graduated from Huron High School, Ann Arbor, MI. Jannette went on to obtain her Bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, and later earned a Health Teacher Certificate from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She was working on a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education - Middle School from Western Governors University.

Jannette began her teaching career as a Fourth Grade teacher at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin. Later, she joined McGraw Hill to develop standardized mathematics tests for various State Education Departments, later becoming an Assessment Development Supervisor. Jannette eventually returned to her love of working with children when she joined Core Knowledge Charter School in Verona, Wisconsin, as a Mathematics Resource Educator. Jannette spent the last 10 years of her career at Velma Hamilton Middle School, Madison Metropolitan School District where she taught Algebra and Advanced Mathematics as well as Health. She was known for her ability to make mathematical concepts clear and understandable. Beyond teaching, she was a refuge for students, who frequently sought her out for comfort and support. In recent years, Jannette discovered a passion for writing. Under a pen name, she authored fourteen short romance novels, sharing stories of hope, love, perseverance, and connection. Her words touched countless readers, some of whom would reach out to express how her work brought them joy and adventure.

But more than her career, Jannette’s greatest impact came from being a beloved mother and grandmother. Her children were the greatest joy of her life, and her grandchildren filled her heart with pride and happiness. She celebrated their accomplishments, comforted them through their struggles, prayed for them faithfully, and loved them more than words can express. Nothing mattered more to her than the well-being and happiness of the family she cherished so deeply.

In college, Jannette became a Christian through His House Christian Fellowship, and went on to do college ministry herself for a time. She led college students in reading the Bible, and went on to facilitate Bible studies online among her friends. Through this, she shared the grace and hope found in the gospel with others. Jannette had a special gift for making people feel welcomed, accepted, and cared for. Whether family, friend, or stranger, Jannette offered kindness without judgment and compassion without limit. She understood life’s difficulties and, because of that, was often a resource for others in need of comfort.

Jannette found joy in simple everyday experiences, especially in the process of creating beautiful things. Through cross-stitch and knitting, she created treasured gifts made with patience and love that will be cherished forever. She enjoyed gardening and flowers and finding peace in nurturing beauty and growth.

Above all else, Jannette loved. She nurtured her students compassionately. She loved her family fiercely and unconditionally. She embraced people who were hurting and offered encouragement. Her generous heart left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on in the family she treasured, in the lives she touched, in the beauty she created, and in the stories she leaves behind.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Ryan Dean (Hannah Margaret), Hannah Marie (Jack Hartzler), Ian Christoper (Alyssa), and Megan Maryellen; four grandchildren Graham, Wesley, Mikayla, and Paige. She is also survived by her parents and three siblings, her twin sister Annette (Rob Ferguson), Heather (Victor Arredondo), Christopher (Arlene Hill); numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends and former students.

The family will hold a private viewing. Friends and extended family are welcome to join a memorial service on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 3pm, at Ryan Funeral Home at 6728 Mader Drive, Madison, WI 53719. A private burial with immediate family will occur at a later date.

A Livestream of this service will be available beginning at 2:45 p.m., Friday, September 4, 2026. View livestream at Ryan Funeral Home Madison - YouTube.

Memorials or contributions of support can be made to the family to help with funeral costs at https://www.supportnow.org/jannette-mcmunn. Thank you for loving Jannette with us. 

For more information or to leave a memory: please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center

6728 Mader Drive

608-274-1000