DEFOREST-Jane G. Hockett, age 81, ascended and took her place at the Lord’s table on January 21, 2017 at 12:12:12; the moment she had waited a lifetime for. Her family was there and as always, she consoled them until her peaceful departure.

Jane was born in Urbana, Illinois on June 12, 1935, the daughter of Russell and Genevieve (Owen) Gregg. Shortly after birth, the family moved to Shorewood Hills in Madison, Wisconsin where she graduated from Central High School. She was a very talented artist and refined those skills for a time at UW Madison. A strikingly beautiful woman was on her way to bring joy to the world.

Jane was the true meaning of the Light of Life. Her spirit touched the heart, mind and soul of countless people during her journey here on earth. She could spot a need that no one else could see and would fully apply herself until she was satisfied that need was met. A sweet child of God indeed possessing a faith as strong as any force of nature. That would be her tool and it would fit any job she would take on and the Lord trusted her with all of His might. She touched the lives of so many and her work was good. It is with our deepest sorrow that we let her go but we know this is the plan as there is more good work for her to do.

In her early years she married John Steinhauer and together had four children moving from Madison to Massachusetts to Illinois and back to the Madison area. Then in her middle years she married John Hockett on April 4th or 5th which somehow along the way became a single day and they were inseparable for the next 46 years until the time of her passing. In 1970 they bought a farm and moved the family to Poynette where they would set the stage and create a marvelous new beginning. Always excited for the next adventure, they purchased another nearby farm that was sprawling with acres and forests and wildlife galore. This place would become “The Farm” and would be the family weekend retreat for the next 20 years. Jane and John also loved to be at their places up north on Solberg Lake in Phillips, WI during summer or down south on Lake Grassy in Lake Placid, FL during winter. Together they forged relationships and made countless friends all over the world.

Jane possessed extraordinary talents and among other things cared for a quadriplegic man, Ernie, in her home for more than 20 years. With Jane life was always good and her accomplishments will carry on through all the ages. She will be dearly missed but it is with great joy that Mom has at last reached the great feast of Heaven.

Jane leaves behind her husband and partner in life, John; daughter, Deborah (George) Reed; sons, John Steinhauer, Gregg (Beth) Steinhauer, David (Linda) Steinhauer; stepdaughter, Julie (John) Rao; stepson, Todd (Rose) Hockett. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Justin (Katie) Reed and their three children, Kendra (Chad) Gassner and their three children, Jennifer (Jason) Fleener and their daughter, Rhianna (Taylor Bock) Reed and her daughter, Daniel (Kimberly) Steinhauer and their daughter, Seth (Abby Jensen) Steinhauer, Graham (Megan McCormick) Steinhauer, Chad (Abby) Hockett and his four children, Nicole (Cameron) Clark and their son, Adam (Angie) Hockett and their two children, Robin (Pam) Rao and their two children, and Willow Rao, Sham Renfro and her four children and birth granddaughter Dyana (Fred) Worell and their three children. She also leaves behind a brother Richard (Uncle Dick) Gregg, many nieces and nephews along with a multitude of friends.

There will be a celebration of life held at Christ Lutheran Church DeForest, 220 S. Main St., on January 28, 2017 with a visitation starting at 9:30 am until the time of service at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon. Any memorials on behalf of Jane can be made to CLC DeForest or charity of the donor’s choice.

We would also like to express our utmost appreciation to the health providers and staff of UW Hospitals and Agrace HospiceCare at Oak Park for their kindness and human compassion.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Jane Hockett

June 12, 1935 - January 21, 2017

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