Jan Brock’s five decades of community service

February 28, 2026

By La Crosse Community Foundation

For nearly five decades, Jan Brock has simply shown up for the community she calls home. A longtime resident of Onalaska, Jan’s story is one of consistency — working with others, contributing where she can, and being part of the many groups that make community life richer and more connected.

From arts and education to civic planning and community beautification, Jan has given her time, energy, and leadership to a wide range of organizations, including Centering Onalaska, the City of Onalaska Plan Commission, the Great River Festival of Arts, La Crosse Community Theatre, the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, United Way, United Fund for the Arts & Humanities, the Onalaska Education Foundation, and Viterbo University’s Save Our Steinway campaign, among others. Some roles were brief seasons of service; others became long-term commitments that grew alongside the community itself.

What early experiences or values shaped your approach to community work?

In the early 1980s, Mary Funk got both my husband, Thomas, and me involved in the arts, including the La Crosse Community Theatre and the Great River Festival of Arts dance workshop. She helped a young couple understand the value of the arts and volunteering in community events. We found many wonderful friends through these associations, and little did we know, we would receive far more than we would ever contribute.

Not much later, I was teamed with two ladies whom I hardly knew, Fe Abellera and Sacia Morris, for a fundraising event. Not only did we become lifelong friends, but we actually volunteered to do several projects together because we had so much fun working together on various things in the community. From them, I learned the value of having fun with any group or on any project. That was the beginning of a lifetime love for volunteering.

What helps you stay grounded and energized when the work is demanding, and the results take time to show?

Volunteering is simply fun — working with people who become friends — great people with the same vision — to complete a task/project that benefits the community. For instance, our Centering Onalaska group has worked together and with the city on several tasks over many years. The summer flower baskets started with only a dozen baskets and have grown to 56. They start small in late May and grow during the summer until they are huge when taken down in October. Residents and visitors love watching them mature. A small group of civic volunteers had a vision and worked together to make it happen.

We also started the wreaths/garlands that decorate Main Street during the holidays. The city helped expand those to HWY 35. Similarly, we decorate City Hall with harvest items and then wreaths/garlands at Christmas. Together, we have enjoyed expanding both of those.

Is there something about that people would never guess plays a big role in how you volunteer?

It may sound self-serving, but I love being with friends and keeping busy. Participating in any project is energizing for me — the joy of working together, establishing a plan, moving through the process and finally seeing the end result — each step is exciting!  Every board or project affords the opportunity to be and work with people one may or may not know. Doing any project draws people together and brings lots of great ideas to light. To discuss a project and then see it come to life is exhilarating for everyone involved.

And to be able to participate with others is not only energizing but also fun and rewarding. There is a sense of pride when any group project is completed, and you have bonded with the people involved for life. You always have something special in common with those colleagues/friends, and that makes a wonderful life.

Reprinted with permission from the La Crosse Tribune.