Jean E. Oehlke, age 82, of Fremont, died on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at her home in Fremont.
She was born on November 8, 1933, in Scandinavia, WI, the daughter of the late Herbert and Bertha (Helgeson) Jenson. On December 11, 1954, Jean married the love of her life, Vernon Oehlke at Scandinavia Lutheran Church. Together they were blessed with 61 years of marriage and six beautiful children. Jean and Vern established Oehlke Electric, and Jean worked as the bookkeeper for many years. Together, they enjoyed snowmobiling, bowling, traveling, playing cards and spending time with friends and family. Jean was an incredicble homemaker and cook, and welcomed everyone in her home with a smile. She took pride in each and every one of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and despite many struggles with her health, she always made every effort to be a part of their many sporting, musical and school events. Jean was a member of Fremont American Legion Auxiliary Post 391, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fremont and supported many community programs throughout the area.
Jean is survived by her husband, Vern; four sons, Greg (MaryAnn), Fremont; Steve (Mary), Weyauwega; Brian (Betsy), Weyauwega; and Terry, Fremont; two daughters, Candace (Bill) Mitchell, Fremont and Kathy (Scott) Krause, Fremont; 15 grandchildren: Tanner (Kristin), Miranda (Keith) Ziemba. Brieanne, Luke (Amanda) Mitchell, Emily (Cody Loughrin) Mitchell, Becca (fiance’ Casey Schalkowski) Mitchell. Jessica Hansen, Matt (Devin), Beau (Hailey) Brett, Josh (Haley), MacKenzie, Adam, Jordan and Hailey Krause; seven great-grandchildren: Cullen, Sean, Payton, Ty, Adelynn, Bronson, Raelyn and two more on the way; two sisters, Donna Swenson, Lois (Leland) Thompson; two brothers, Reuben (Jane) Jenson and Herbie (Joyce) Jenson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and frineds. She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, William and Elsie Oehlke; a sister-in-law, Lucinda (Allan) Niemuth, and two brothers-in-law, Veldor Oehlke and James Swenson.
Funeral services were held on Thurday, April 14, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 107 Tustin Rd., Fremont. Pastor Stephen Pope officiated. Burial is in Lakeside Cemetery, Fremont. Visitation was held on Wedneday, 4-8 p.m. at the Lewin Funeral Home, and on Thursday, at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established.
Jean’s family would like to give a special thank you to St. Elizabeth Hospital, Lakeview Manor, Heartland Hospice and the many family and friends for their care, visits, prayers and meals.