Jane Palen, 89, of Ontario passed away Friday, June 21, 2013, at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta.
Jane was born and raised in Wildcat Mountain State Park, Vernon County, Wis., on Aug. 12, 1923, to Evans and Elna (Lord) Warne. She married Kenneth Downing and later divorced; she then married Owen Palen.
Jane was devoted to Ontario from the day she was born until the day she left the village. She worked in almost every business in town because she loved them all and wanted to help where she could. She was a waitress at Ma and Pa’s Café, Bank of Ontario teller, Ontario Library librarian, Robinson Hardware Store clerk, Ontario Post Office clerk and then Postmaster; she also worked at Vernon Manor as a nursing assistant. All of the occupations Jane had involved helping others, something she loved to do and she did so well.
Jane had time for a lot of community involvement as well. She served terms as the Library Board President and Ontario Village Treasurer. She was a very active member of the Ontario Community Club and would always be there to help out at any fundraiser. She was a faithful follower and proud member of Grace Community Church. Jane was an instrumental part of the annual Ontario Fourth of July Parade, where she loved dressing up as a clown and cheering on the T-ball players. She loved playing bingo, reading, quilting, gardening and going to dances. Mostly, Jane was ready to do anything that needed to be done, and she would do it with her infectious smile and wonderful conversation.
Jane is survived by her daughters, Odette (RB) Olson of Surprise, Ariz., and Joette Palen of Ontario; a brother, Robert “Bob” Ferries of Mount Pisgah, Ontario; a sister, Nancy Mulder of Silver Springs, Md.; a brother-in-law, Floyd Belt of Clyde, Mich.; special family members, Kristen and Lowell Scott; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Clara Belt; her husbands, Kenneth and Owen; and a brother-in-law, Dean Mulder.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, at Grace Community Church, Ontario, with Pastor Bruce Milleman officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Ontario Cemetery.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4-7 p.m. Monday, June 24, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Visitation also will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be given to Grace Community Church or to the Ontario Public Library in Jane’s name.
Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
