Janine M Rubeck

On Monday, September 29th, 2025, the Rainbow Bridge shook and bowed under the weight of hundreds of furry feet anxiously awaiting the arrival of someone very special. A greeting this thunderous is reserved only for the most special humans — those who love and care for all God's creatures, no matter what — an animal shelter director. Janine M. Rubeck, age 59, of Ripon, Wisconsin, was welcomed to heaven by these fur angels on September 29th. We can only imagine the joy with which Janine greeted every single one of them and have no doubt that she knew each one's name and remembered how and why each came her way.

Janine was born September 7th, 1966, the daughter of Curtis and Darlene (Ragland) Rubeck in Delavan, Wisconsin. A member of the Ripon College class of 1988, Janine was passionate about and majored in music, often singing at weddings and other events. After working at local restaurants and Target, Janine began offering her services as an animal behaviorist. She believed that there are no bad animals, just untrained humans. She began volunteering at and was hired by the Fond du Lac Humane Society, which jumpstarted her journey towards being hired to manage the Tri Casa (now known as Green Lake Area Animal Shelter) in 2005.

Janine cared for the creatures some humans didn't do right by and worked as hard as she could to help them find forever homes worthy of their beautiful hearts. Under her direction, the shelter underwent a major renovation and expanded its services to include an onsite clinic. Her recent cancer diagnosis was the only thing which prevented her from caring for the animals entrusted to her care.

Janine is survived by her mother, aunts Donna Ragland and Diana Stettner, special friends Jesse Gonzalez and his son, Kaden, and many loving friends who were like family. She was preceded in death by her father, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Per Janine’s wishes, no services will be held. Divine Passage Funeral Home is proudly assisting her family during this difficult time. 

Memorials in Janine's name would be appreciated by the Green Lake Animal Shelter, PO Box 86, Green Lake, WI  54941. 

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