Jane Cappell Dovenbarger

Jane Cappell Dovenbarger, passed away peacefully at home on May 16, 2026, at the age of 93.

Jane was born on April 5, 1933, at Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, to Dorothy and Dr. George Cappell, DDS. Though her early years were shaped by the Great Depression, World War II, and the loss of her father when she was just 14 years old, Jane always remembered her childhood as a happy one. From an early age, she showed both a talent and love for art, eventually earning a scholarship to The Art Institute of Chicago.

After her art education, Jane attended Ripon College, where she met the first of what she fondly called her “two amazing husbands,” Earle “Swede” Swanson. Together they moved to Marshfield, Wisconsin, where Swede owned a furniture company and where they raised four daughters.

In Marshfield, Jane’s spirit of service began to flourish. She founded the “Pink Ladies” volunteer organization at St. Joseph’s Hospital and became deeply involved in the community. Living in a medical community sparked her own interest in healthcare, leading her to earn her RN certification from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing. She was especially proud of receiving one of the top scores in the state on her final nursing examination. Jane began her nursing career in the intensive care unit, where caring for critically ill patients and their families became deeply meaningful work to her.

In 1981, Jane married William “Bill” Dovenbarger, MD, blending their families and creating an even larger circle of children and grandchildren. Jane later worked as an RN assistant to the medical director of Security Health Plan. Together, she and Bill volunteered with Doctors Without Borders in St. Lucia, sharing their compassion and skills with others in need.

After retirement, Jane and Bill moved to Venice, Florida, where they built a home and enjoyed ten wonderful years of golf, boating, and visits from family and friends. Eventually, Wisconsin called them home once again, and they settled in Wausau.

Jane quickly became involved in the Wausau community through volunteer work and civic organizations. She was active with the Marathon County Historical Society, Antiques Study Club, Good News Project, and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, where she served as a docent. Jane and Bill were benefactors of the 1916 Society at Marshfield Clinic and members of First United Methodist Church. She also held a special place in her heart for the Golden K Kiwanis Club, where she served as president until shortly before her passing.

Art remained one of Jane’s greatest joys throughout her life. She was a gifted oil painter who continued painting well into her nineties.

She also loved to travel and was fascinated by cultures around the world, especially the history and traditions of Indigenous Americans here in the United States.

Jane embraced life fully and beautifully. Proud of her Norwegian heritage, she was known for her impeccable style, perfectly kept hair and nails, and her ability to make even a trip to the grocery store feel like an occasion. She loved shopping of every kind, and few things delighted her more than finding a hidden treasure at Goodwill. Jane was an avid football fan, a gourmet cook, a gracious entertainer, and deeply passionate about classical music.

Above all else, Jane cherished her family. She treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren, as well as Bill’s children and grandchildren, and took special joy in the lives of her great-grandchildren. She rarely missed a birthday or holiday celebration with “little” Jane, Anna, and Will Duros. Having her great-granddaughter carry her name brought her enormous joy in her later years.

One of Jane’s favorite quotes was from Mark Twain:

“Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.”

Those who knew Jane can surely say she accomplished exactly that.

In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her first husband, Earle “Swede” Swanson; her second husband, William “Bill” Dovenbarger, MD; Bill’s sons, Vance and Kurt Dovenbarger; and her sister, Joan Becker.

Jane is survived by her children: Kristine Duros (John) of Kronenwetter, Wisconsin, and their children Nick (Helen), Alex (Alexandra), and Jack (Kathryn); Shelley Glinski (the late Don) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Karen Swanson of Wausau, Wisconsin; and Ann Silberman (Peter) of Northfield, Illinois, and their children Leah (Didi), Ben (Elena), and Eva (Parker).

She is also survived by Bill’s children: Diane Meissner (the late Jerry) of Chili, Wisconsin, and their children Josh (Sherri), Jenny (Matt), Tiffany (Danny), and Ashley (David); Eric Dovenbarger (Cynthia) of Palm Bay, Florida, and their children Tyler and Aiden; as well as grandsons William, son of the late Vance, and Kade, son of the late Kurt. Jane was also blessed with ten Dovenbarger great-grandchildren and three Duros great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Opie.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are encouraged to do so at the Wausau Golden K (Kiwanis Club) 1707 Marquardt Rd, Wausau, WI, 54403.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 903 North 3rd Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403. Visitation to begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Service at 11:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow, with location to be announced.