Janice Ann “Mema” Freeman, (née Rains), of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on October 20, 2026. She was 82. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, and will be deeply missed.

Janice was born to George and Vesta Rains, in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 27, 1943. Growing up with three brothers and a sister, Janice developed a strong sense of independence and a caring nature that would remain part of who she was throughout her life.

After graduating high school, Janice lived an adventurous life that took her to Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Nevada. Through her earlier marriages, she became the loving mother of April, Tina and Robert.

A new chapter began in the northern woods of Wisconsin, where Janice met Walter “Gene” Freeman while she was working at a restaurant and he was a customer. The two hit it off, and on February 14, 1975, they married at a chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gene was the love of Janice’s life. Together, they welcomed daughters Melinda, Bonnie and Amy before settling in Oshkosh, where Janice eventually retired from Oshkosh Corporation.

Janice made time for the things that brought her joy. Her adventures included countless road trips with her daughters, beach visits, flower festivals and soaring through the sky in a helicopter, hot-air balloon, or parasailing. But most of all, she enjoyed making memories with her husband, children and grandchildren at the family’s cottage on Pine Lake in Hiles, Wisconsin.

Janice took great pride in her family’s accomplishments and talents. Her walls were adorned with her grandchildren’s artwork and her evenings and weekends were filled with swim meets, dance recitals, graduation ceremonies, family celebrations and countless sleepovers with a granddaughter or two. She loved being there to watch her family grow and succeed.

Janice had many passions, including baking, cooking, sewing, fishing, reading and spending time with her grandchildren. These interests became special ways for her to connect with the people she loved. Whether sharing a tradition of Christmas tea, spending a Saturday teaching her granddaughters how to cook/bake a family recipe, or passing down her father’s technique for tying a lure knot, Janice created memories and traditions her children and grandchildren will carry with them.

Janice is survived by her children, April (Charlie) Skarban, Tina (Mike) Gehl, Robert (Janet) Spain, Melinda (Mike) Freeman, Bonnie Freeman and Amy (Keith) Moon; her brother, Gilbert Rains; her cousin and best buddy, Judy Boles; her grandchildren, Jessy, Kristen, Crystal, Amanda, Nathan, Mitchell, Brandon, Brianna, Lindsey, Kalie, Tessa, Madelynn and Piper; her 11 great-grandchildren with another due in February; Bonnie’s beloved feathered and furry babies; and so many extended family and friends.


She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Eugene “Gene” Freeman; her brothers, Fred and Bruce Rains; her sister, Patricia Weil; her father, George Rains; her mother, Vesta Rains; and her best friend, Barb Gerlach.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the compassionate, caring staff at Serenity Villa in Oshkosh and Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton.