Janeen A. Symicek

Janeen A. Symicek, 70, of La Crosse, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family, on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. She was born on April 29, 1954 to Charles and Katherine (Marshall) Deitelhoff, in Cazenovia, WI. On April 26, 1975, she married Ron Symicek at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse, WI.

Janeen grew up in a family of 6 children in Cazenovia, WI. She graduated from Weston High School, class of 1972, then moved to La Crosse, WI to pursue a degree as a Medical Assistant at Western Wisconsin Technical College. She worked at St. Francis Clinic in Family Medicine and later transferred to the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Department, where she found her true passion working in Optometry. She started at the Eye Clinic of La Crosse in 1981, which later merged with Gundersen Health System. While working full-time and raising her 2 children, she completed a self-study program to become a Certified Ophthalmic Technician. She valued the many relationships she built with her patients. The friendships she made at the Eye Clinic of La Crosse were lifelong and cherished until the end. She retired in 2016 after working 35 years in Optometry with Dr. John Purdue.  

Throughout the ups and downs of life, Janeen’s smile and resilience did not waver. Quick to laugh, sometimes even at herself, she brought a constant light to those around her. Janeen held a deep love for her family and friends and treasured her time with them.   

Janeen is survived by her adoring husband of 49 years, Ron Symicek, who gracefully cared for her during her final years and was always by her side; her son, Jonathan Symicek and Tammy Schmitz; her daughter Andrea (Symicek) Branson and son-in-law, Mark Branson. She is further survived by her beautiful grandchildren, Jack and Ella Branson, who reflect her compassionate and playful spirit. 

She is also survived by her 4 loving siblings: Patricia (Charles) Carter, Linda (Jeffrey) Peterson, DiAnne (Timothy) Raczek, and Steven (Dawn) Deitelhoff, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Katherine and Charles Deitelhoff, and brother, Kevin Deitelhoff.

A special thanks to the students and faculty at the UWL EXPAND (Exercise Program for Adults with Neurologic Disorders) program. Janeen found strength and pride in the progress she made through the program, significantly contributing to her physical health and quality of life.  

Our deepest gratitude to the Mayo Clinic Health System Hospice team. Their heartfelt support provided peace and comfort to both Janeen and her family during a very difficult time and will forever be appreciated and cherished. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Janeen on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Roncalli Newman Catholic Church, 1732 State St., La Crosse. Visitation will be held at 11:00 AM, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM. Rev. Samuel McCarty will officiate with a private family burial at a later date. 

Memorials in Janeen’s memory can be made to Roncalli Newman Catholic Church or to 7 Rivers Hospice Home.