We celebrate the life of Janine H. Lau (nee Small), who peacefully left us, surrounded by her family and loved ones, on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Janine was the cherished wife for 44 years of Allan and loving mother of Joel (Sarah Jo) Lau, Jill Lau (Esteban Henriquez), and Juliann (Nate) Roedl. She was treasured Nona to Ethan, Madelyn, and Isaac; Liam, Julius, and future granddaughter; James Wolfgang and Denali. Janine was dear sister of J.D. Small and beloved niece of Andrea Holt.

Janine was born on May 18, 1955 in Lansing, Michigan to Jim and Ardie Small. She graduated from Michigan State University in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in music education, focusing on the organ. After college, Janine served with Campus Crusade's music ministry for six years, where she met Allan. They married in 1980, moved across the country together, and made their home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Janine passionately and creatively homeschooled Joel, Jill, and Juliann from kindergarten through high school. After teaching her children, Janine earned a master's degree in teaching English as a second language (ESL). She was an ESL professor at Carroll University and Waukesha County Technical College.

Janine was a dedicated runner for many years. She placed 1st four times and 2nd twice in a Fourth of July 10K and ran six marathons throughout her life. She also completed a half ironman and several shorter triathlons. As lovers of nature, Janine and Allan traveled and hiked in many states and National Parks across the US. She was an avid gardener and completed the Master Gardener program a few months before her death. Janine loved reading and passed that love on to her children and grandchildren by sharing books she enjoyed and reading aloud to them throughout their childhoods.

Janine was a devoted follower of Christ with a passion for memorizing and reading the Word and a deep heart for prayer. Her love for the Lord was visible to all she encountered, from her heartfelt style of worship on Sunday mornings to her ability to see the image of God in everyone she met. She was gifted with an ability to see those on the outside and bring them into her community. As a close family friend said, "Janine didn't let anyone be a stranger." Janine valued people because she believed Jesus valued them. She devoted hours to serving through a number of organizations including Kinship Community Food Center, Habitat for Humanity, and a racial reconciliation group at her church. Her personal ministry was through sending cards and letters. If you knew Janine, you received a card from her. She never let an important date or accomplishment go by without a card to celebrate it.

In lieu of flowers, Janine requested that memorials be made to Kinship Community Food Center (kinshipmke.org), Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org), or Eastbrook Church (eastbrook.org).

A memorial is scheduled on Sunday, August 11th, 2024, at Eastbrook Church, with a 2:00 pm visitation and 3:30 pm service. The website https://eastbrook.online.church/  will host a livestream of the service.