My heart breaks alongside many others with this heavy news. Jan was my go-to for some time personally, and professionally as we helped each other in our respective roles within the Automotive Industry. She was a favorite Auntie of mine too! We shared reports and information on ways to incorporate loss prevention strategies. For a while we both changed jobs frequently it seemed, and best practice information as needed during our different tenures as “guns-for-hire”. I had filed taxes one year in three different states, and we both joked openly about how difficult it was to make IRS tax filing dead line each year because of how often we changed jobs. I have many fond memories with Jan as a young child, and as an adult.
My fondest memory as a child was when she came to visit my parents house and brought along some fireworks/firecrackers. Of course the fun stuff always seems to be illegal, but that didn’t stop me or my partner in crime which was my younger cousin Nichole. While the adults were distracted socializing Nichole and I grabbed some fire crackers, some matches and we were off to the drive way to have some fun! Of course until those darn police drove by just as the firecrackers went off and spoiled all our fun!...(sorry about that by the way Mom) I remember Jan laughing after the police left and my mom was freaking out. It was funny!
My fondest memory as a young adult was when she worked at a larger dealership in Illinois, and I had accepted a position at a larger dealership in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She set it up for me to be a guest at that dealerships parts inventory so I could duplicate a successful inventory at my dealership in Milwaukee. After inventory was finished Jan, The dealer Principle/Owner and myself went out to dinner at a place I thought was a dream at the time. The atmosphere, food, and company was incredible after a hard day of inventory at a large parts operation.
She was always upbeat and positive, classy, and bad-ass fierce in a skirt-suit with brief case and heels. Always had time for me even when she was super busy. I absolutely respect and admire Jan. She was a friend, a family member, and a mentor. I’m certain I am not the only one fighting back tears as I reflect on rich memories. Much love to all whom read this thread.
Vernard (Vern) John Reuter II
