Janet E. Brickner, 87, of Scales Mound, IL passed away peacefully at 3:50 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at her apartment surrounded by family.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25th and from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26th at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Schapville (rural Scales Mound, IL,) where funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, with Rev. James P. Mehltretter officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery – Guilford. The Miller-Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is assisting the family.

Janet was born on February 13, 1938, in Shullsburg, WI, the daughter of Willis and Mildred (Evans) Hammer. She was united in marriage to William D. “Bill” Brickner on August 4, 1956 at Zion Presbyterian Church, in Schapville.

She was a graduate of Scales Mound High School, Class of 1955. Janet and Bill owned several businesses throughout the years including Bill’s Farmhouse Grocery, Bill’s Farm House Feeds and Gramp’s Gourmet Foods of Scales Mound. Janet was an accomplished seamstress, winning the Singer National Sewing contest in 1954. She went on to make countless wedding dresses, prom gowns, cheerleading uniforms, basketball uniforms and a variety of costumes. She often commented that she regretted that she never kept track of all the sewing projects she completed.

She loved her family and was always involved in the activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and Bill loved to travel and visited every state in the union.  They also participated in and hosted Coon Hound Field trials. Janet had a great ability to connect with people and if you were her friend, you had her full support in every way possible. She leaves behind many friends that spanned her lifetime.

Janet had a strong faith in God and enjoyed being part of her church communities.

Surviving are her children, Brenda (Larry) Werner, of Scales Mound, IL, Bonnye (Joe) Rollins of Scales Mound, IL, Mary (Steve) Bader of Scales Mound, IL, Bryan Brickner of Vandalia, MI, Bette (Andy) Trimble of Stoughton, WI; her grandchildren Curt (Molly) Deutsch, Bruce (Staci) Deutsch, Jared (Bridget) Deutsch, Jenne (Greg) Lewis, Amy (Greg) Emanuel, Kara (Lauri) Rollins, Justin (Ericka) Werner, and Kelsey Trimble; fifteen (15) great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Hammer of Scales Mound, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents Willis and Mildred Hammer Sr; her brother Willis Hammer Jr; sibling in-laws, Irma and Chuck Ohms, Mary and Bill Knuckey.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Mercy Health System and Hospice of Dubuque for the care they provided her. They also want to express love and gratitude to her friends and extended family for the support they provided her recently during her illness and throughout her life.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©