Jane M. Calkins

PORTAGE – Jane M. Calkins passed away on January 10, 2024, surrounded by family, after a brief battle with cancer.

Jane was born on July 19, 1943, the daughter of Chester and Helen (Voight) Mael.  A lifelong resident of Portage, Jane married Dale Calkins on December 2, 1967. They enjoyed nearly 46 years of marriage before he preceded her in death in 2013.

Jane was a housewife and homemaker. She thoroughly enjoyed going out for Friday night fish and playing cards with family. Later in life, she found joy while running “Jane’s Veggie Shack.” She greeted everyone with a smile and was quick to offer up a recipe or two. Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with her grandchildren and getting to watch them grow up.  She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Jane is survived by her children, Julie (Ron) Vires, Westfield, Todd (Lonna) Calkins, and Cory Calkins, Portage; grandchildren, Benjamin (Candace) Vires, Emma and Lauryn Calkins, and Evelyn and Emmett Calkins; great-grandchildren, Payton, Madelynn, Landen, Kaelynn, Ashton, Liam, Brinleigh, and Bennett. Jane is also survived by brothers Richard and Gerald Mael, and sister Jean Brown all of Portage.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; her parents; sister, Elaine; and sisters-in-law Elaine (Richard) Mael and Joyce (Gerald) Mael.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, who took such good care of Jane in her final days.

A private family gathering with inurnment will be held at a later date.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.