Jean A. Sutter

Jean Arnold Sutter, age 97, formerly of Manitowoc, passed peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, April 24, at her daughter’s home in Pasadena where she’d been residing for the past year.

Jean was born September 9, 1923, in Eden, New York, daughter of the late Roy Adolph Allanson and Edna Roeller Allanson.  Following graduation from Eden Central School, where she played both violin and French horn, she attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.  She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and Omicron Nu Honorary Society, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1945.  She married the late Dr. Thomas Arnold on December 21,1946, at United Methodist Church, Hamburg, NY. 

In 1954, after living on the Naval base in Kittery, Maine, Jean and Tom moved to Manitowoc, where they raised their family and were active in the community.  In 1977, Jean received her teaching degree from Silver Lake College and taught Home Economics at Woodrow Wilson Jr. High School.

Through the years Jean was active in civic, charitable and educational organizations, including AAUW, Junior Service League, Girl Scouts, Masquers, the Manitowoc Symphony Board, and P.E.O.  She was proud to act as co-chair of the committee to set up the pioneer room at the Rahr West Museum and wrote the curriculum for area 4th graders touring the exhibit.

She served on various committees at the First Presbyterian Church, including two terms as an elder, organ committee, and 30 years in the Chancel Choir.  More recently she became an active member of Grace Congregational Church and sang in the choir.

Jean married Charles L. Sutter in 1980, who preceded her in death in 1999.

After retiring from teaching, Jean enjoyed working at the Flower Gallery servicing weddings and overseeing their marketing.   She developed a passion for basket weaving and attended classes at Sievers Fiber Arts Studio on Washington Island every summer for 20 years. 

After spending several winters in Pasadena, Jean moved to California where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law.

Survivors include her three children: Wendy Arnold-Leroux (John) of Oshkosh, WI; Thomas J. Arnold (Leslie) of McCall, ID; and Heidi C. Bender (Lon) of Pasadena, CA. Step-children Greg Sutter of Wauwatosa and Jenifer A. McLaughlin (Mark) of Manitowoc; grandchildren Thomas J. Arnold (Vori), Will Arnold, and Rhys (Kelsey) Leroux; step-grandchildren Jessica Deprey (Justin) and Gray Bender; great-granddaughters Betsy and Lucy Jean Arnold; step great-grandson Colin.  A sister, Donna Roeller, of Lakeland, FL also survives.  Both parents and a sister, Caryl Randolph of Manlius, NY, preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 25, at 11:00 am at Grace Congregational UCC Church in Two Rivers.  The Reverend Kim Henning will officiate, with burial at a later date in her family plot at Evergreen Cemetery, Eden, New York.

Pfeffer Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.  Memorial gifts may be made to Hope House, the Salvation Army or Grace Congregational United Church of Christ.

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