Jane Stover
June 12, 1949 - January 19, 2024
Obituary
Madison - Jane Elaine Stover, age 74, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack in her home on January 19, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. She was born on June 12, 1949, to Fred A. and Elsie T. (Brown) Stover in Madison, WI. Although a twin, Jane was a “middle child” with an older brother, sister, her twin, and 3 younger sisters. In a family that large, there was never a dull moment. Each summer the family treasured their vacations that would conclude in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania at her paternal grandparents’ farm, surrounded by dozens of cousins. These experiences informed the person she would become. Jane loved being around people, and being with her was fun. Family was central to her life.
Jane’s summers spent in Madison could be characterized by her time at B.B. Clark Beach and Orton Park. Her family lived in the Bascom B. Clark house, one of Claude and Starck’s Queen Anne houses on the National Register of Historic Places. Jane and her sisters would walk the four blocks to the beach where they would spend the day, beginning with early swimming lessons. In the evening, the neighborhood kids would gather across the street in Orton Park to play capture the flag. She became a competitive swimmer and represented Madison East High School in the Wisconsin State Swim Competition in 1967.
Jane graduated from Madison East High School in 1967. After graduation, she began working at AT&T. With close friends from work, she spent vacations in the Caribbean, and often attended the Kentucky Derby.
Jane met Robert Disch at AT&T, where they both worked. They married and had 3 children. Their only daughter Brenda was born with a birth defect and died shortly after birth. While they had an A&W Root Beer stand in Spring Green, Jane was frequently concealed within a bear costume entertaining both customers and staff. Her marriage to Robert Disch ended in divorce.
As a single mother, Jane raised two accomplished sons—James and Joseph. She received two degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with an Outstanding Student Award from the School of Education. Her long-term gratification of serving as a tutor to basketball and football players was her pride in watching their careers in the pros. Jane spent her career in education on the faculty at Cardinal Stritch University as an instructor and advisor.
In retirement Jane became a Madison “Ambassador” and staffed the Madison Welcome desk on State Street. That opportunity allowed her a chance to promote her beloved city. During tax season, she worked for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Jane was always busy. She enjoyed being a mentor to friends she met as a volunteer with United Cerebral Palsy, and Chrysalis, Inc. She was an avid gardener who shared her love of gardening with her sons and grandson Thomas, and gave her abundant fresh produce to friends and family. Jane was always welcoming and took great joy in her friends. Playing cards connected her with friends, and those relationships have lasted for years. She was a devoted friend and the person whom people turned to for support in their own challenges.
Jane was a devoted mother, and she cherished her sons and grandsons. They always appreciated the time they shared, which was often, and fun-filled.
For her 70th birthday, Jane and her twin sister (Jean) took their first European trip to Denmark, their mother’s homeland. They met their maternal relatives for the first time. This year, for their 75th birthday, they were planning to take another tour in September to explore another region of Europe.
Jane is survived by sons James Disch (April) and Joseph Disch (Krista); grandsons Thomas and Jace Disch; sisters Joyce Bromley (Daniel), Jean Stover, Judy Schmitz, June Klann (David); nephews Reed Peterson (Nor), Jason Schuepbach, Eric Krszjzaniek (Michelle); nieces Dawn Moreau and Darcy Anderson.
She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Brenda Elaine Disch, her parents, her brother Fred Arthur Stover, Jr., and her sister Janice Lynn Stover.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N Sherman Ave., Madison, WI. Visitation will take place from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service 3:00 P.M.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will also be held from 12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at The East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive.
Contributions in memory of Jane E. Stover may be made to DAIS, 2102 Fordem Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53704. Website: www.abuseintervention.org
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257