Jody Banta Obituary

Jody L. Banta, age 61, passed away on January 23, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

A visitation will be held on Saturday February 7, 2026, at Feldner Ritchay Funeral Home from 10:00am until 12:00pm. A graveside service will immediately follow at Green Hill Cemetery at 12:30pm.

Jody was born on December 8, 1964, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, to George and Betty (Warner) Novak.

John and Jody's love story began in April of 1993, sparked by personal ads in the local newspaper, long before online dating became common. Their very first date was a trip to the theater to see Benny & Joon. They dated for two years before making it official. In 1995, just three days before a planned trip to Las Vegas, John proposed. When asked if she would come back from Vegas as husband and wife, Jody replied with her trademark humor, "Well, I'll have to pack more shoes!" - her way of saying yes. That short engagement led to nearly 31 years of marriage. John and Jody were married on Palm Sunday in 1995.

Jody was a devoted and loving grandmother who adored her grandchildren, Gavin and Millie. Many summers were spent at "Gramma Camp," creating memories filled with laughter and love. Jody cherished her own childhood summers as well, spent swimming, fishing, canoeing, and being silly with family and friends at Casey Lake near Waupaca.

She was a simple soul who loved simple things. The beach held a special place in her heart, and if she could have lived there, she would have. Jody loved swimming and dedicated much of her time to Swim-X classes and helping with Tiny-Tots swimming lessons, sharing her joy of the water with others. Jody had an endless love for animals. She showed this love by fostering cats & kittens and even medically fostering her most recent bundle of joy, Sunny. Jody succeeded in helping to rid Sunny of induced diabetes and bring her back to the vibrant and healthy cat that few believed she could be.

John and Jody enjoyed countless road trips together over the years in their Mini Cooper, especially traveling along Route 66, making memories one mile at a time.

Music was another lifelong love of Jody's. In her younger years, she would headbang with her best friend Laura to bands like Van Halen, AC/DC, and Mötley Crüe. Though she enjoyed many genres, no artist captured her heart quite like Keith Urban. She attended several of his concerts over the years, always with her very special friend Heidi.

Jody also loved scrapbooking, whether creating on her own or alongside friends. She wasn't much of a cook - often joking, "I only have a kitchen because it came with the house" - but she was known for making a wide variety of breakfasts. Breakfast was her favorite meal of the day.

One of Jody's most cherished daily rituals was sharing morning coffee with John after breakfast, the two of them sitting in their recliners, watching travel videos on YouTube and dreaming of adventures together.

Jody will be remembered for her humor, her love of family, and the simple joys she found in everyday life. Her presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Jody is survived by her husband John. Stepdaughters Heather (Chris) Crawford, Samantha Banta. Grandchildren Gavin Banta and Millie Crawford. Sister Julie Kreutzer (Fiancé Tim Haferman), Brother Jeff Novak, Nephew Josh (Shanna) Kreutzer, Niece Jessica (John) Kroening. Great Nieces and Nephews, Kaden, Kayla and Kendra Kreutzer, Maddie and Colton Kroening.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Betty Novak.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make donations in Jody's name to your local humane society.

Jody was an organ donor and was able to save 3 lives. Her family and friends are very proud of her.

Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.