Obituaries

Janice Maree Bille, age 88, of Altoona, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026.

Janice was born on April 8, 1937, to Elder and Dolores Moslet in Frederic, Wisconsin. After graduating from Luck High School, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, seeking adventure and new experiences. On April 27, 1957, she married Walter Bille, and together they shared 63 years of marriage and were blessed with two children.

Throughout their life together, Jan and Walter lived in many places before settling in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. They treasured their time at their lake home in Solon Springs, Wisconsin, where many special memories were made with family and friends.

Jan dedicated much of her life to caring for her family. Her working years included raising her children, serving as a Title I aide for the Rhinelander School District, working as secretary to the Clerk of Court at the Oneida County Courthouse, and later working at a dental office in Superior, Wisconsin, before retiring.

Jan lived a full and active life. She enjoyed being a member of a dance club, snowmobiling, fishing, bird hunting, motorcycle rides, downhill and water skiing, and hosting countless dinner parties for her many friends. She was always involved in the communities where she lived. Her true passions were cooking and quilting—both of which she shared generously with others. Jan especially loved telling stories about her “perfect grandchildren” to anyone who would listen, and they loved her deeply in return.

Jan is survived by her son, Mark (Jennifer) Bille of Barron, Wisconsin; her daughter, Monica Olson of Fall Creek, Wisconsin; her sisters Mary Young, Debi (Stuart) Baker, and Jackie (Rande) Giller; her brother David (Marty) Moslet; her brother-in-law Gary (Barb) Bille; her grandchildren Dustin (Leighlin) Bille, Sarah (Nathan) Beard, Matthew (Karlie) Olson, Taylor (Hunter) Hermes, Stephanie (Tim) Claason, Emmitt Sanders, and Jack Kowieski; and five great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Dylan, Veronica, Dawson, and Hank.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter (Jug) Bille; her sister Jean Taylor; her brother Allen Moslet; her brother-in-law Curtis Bille; her sisters-in-law Joey Bille and Judy Bille; and her son-in-law Bruce Olson.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the wonderful staff at The Classic, where Jan resided since March of 2025, as well as the compassionate caregivers from St. Croix Hospice for their care in her final days.

Smith Funeral Chapel, 2222 London Road, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is serving the family. A memorial service will be held on February 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service, followed by food and fellowship.

For family and friends unable to attend today's services for Jan Bille, we would like to invite you to join us virtually by clicking the link below.

https://vimeo.com/event/5720153