Janice Marie Wall, age 86, of Cashton, WI, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Jan was born on March 9, 1940, to Fred and Rose Yarolimek. Raised on the banks of the Mississippi River in Dresbach, Minnesota, she spent her summers swimming and her winters ice skating. She attended Central High School in La Crosse, WI and then graduated from the St. Francis School of Nursing in La Crosse in 1961.
Jan met radio announcer Alan “Al” Wall through mutual friends. They married on July 15, 1961. In 1965, Jan and Al moved to Cashton, where Al led the Bank of Cashton. There, they raised their four children and became active members of the community. As a Registered Nurse, Jan spent much of her career caring for patients at St. Mary’s Hospital in Sparta, as well at other area hospitals and nursing homes. Jan cared for neighbors during times of illness, offered loving support when it was needed most, and even helped deliver a baby or two in Cashton.
Her commitment to community extended beyond nursing. Jan served as an elected official for the Village of Cashton and on the Monroe County Board. Following Al’s passing in 1997, she started three decades of service as a board member of the Bank of Cashton, and volunteered her time with the local VFW Auxiliary, at Sacred Heart Parish, and for other causes.
Hospitality was one of Jan’s greatest gifts. As the family chef and baker, cookies, roasts and soups were regularly brought to anyone who was under the weather, celebrating a milestone, or simply in need of extra support. She treasured traveling with her family, including memorable trips to Disney with grandkids, and a visit to Europe with her siblings. She stayed connected through heartfelt, handwritten notes and cards. Jan especially loved The Cottage, her beloved “home away from home” that hosted innumerable get-togethers for family and friends.
Jan took great pride in her family. She was mother to four children: Kari (Mike Kieffer) Schreck of Bluffton, South Carolina; Wendi (Bruce) Hundt of Onalaska; Mari (Bill) Freiberg of Cashton and Scot (Amanda) Wall of Cashton. She was the proud grandmother to twelve: Ross (Kate), Taylor (Mike), Andrew (Kayle), Morgan, Chelsea (Luke), Betsy, Emma (Vade), Sam (Kayla), Bret (Kendyl), Alec, Jake and Kate. Her joy grew even greater as the beloved GiGi to seven great-grandchildren: Sloane, Zeke, Natalie, Mason, Parker, Payton and Hattie. And she is fondly remembered in the community as “Grandma Jan” to anyone who spent time in her home or was in school with her grandkids.
She is further survived by her sister, Roxy (Darwin) Anderson; her brothers, Dean (Marianne) Yarolimek and Ron (Jackie Gum) Yarolimek; sister-in-law Sandy Yarolimek; beloved nieces and nephews; cousins and other relatives; and cherished friends.
Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Alan Wall; parents, Fred and Rose Yarolimek; parents-in-law, Alfred and Hattie Wall; brother and sister-in-law John and Doris Wall; her brothers, Fred Yarolimek and Larry Scheidegger; and numerous other relatives and dear friends.
The family extends thanks to the staff of Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers for their care over the years; to Dr. Jane Korducki for the decades of clinical expertise and support; and to the staff of St. Croix Hospice for their help in the last year.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support causes near and dear to Jan – Cashton Fire and Rescue, Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Cashton or the Cashton Lions Club.
In honor of Jan’s memory, please share a meal with someone.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton, WI. Father Matthew Bowe will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard Tribute beginning at 4:00 p.m., at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Visitation will also be held on Friday, November 13, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
