Jean M. Wanek

Jean Marie Wanek, age 90, of Two Rivers passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family members.

Jean was born on March 28, 1934, daughter of the late George and Helen (Pelnar) Melnarik.  She married Arnold Wanek on October 13, 1954, celebrating 70 years together this year.  Together they had twelve children.

Jean was a true farm girl, helping her dad with the chores.  She graduated from Denmark High School after which she attended Holy Family Nursing School.  Jean then went on to a long career as a Registered Nurse at Two Rivers Community Hospital.  She was very proud of this career and until a few years ago still met with her fellow nurses.

Mom was the true matriarch of our family.  She did her best to keep her children in line but was ever forgiving if we slipped up.  Jean loved to keep and document every family occasion which can be seen in the over 40 picture albums she assembled over the years.  She was right alongside Arnie and her family on the annual fishing trips as head fish cleaner.  Mom loved to quilt and made every grandchild a personalized version when they were born.  Most of all, Jean had a strong feeling about her faith and we believe she is resting alongside Arnie after his passing last week.

Jean is survived by her children:  Michael (Carrie), Green Bay; Wane (Anna), Green Bay; Mark (Lisa), Two Rivers; Steve, Green Bay; Deen (Cass), Waterford; Casey (Michelle), Dunbar; Jay (Shirley), Wauwatosa; Wendy, Two Rivers; Aimee, Two Rivers; Randy (Paula), Manitowoc.  She is further survived by her brother Merlin Melnarik and his wife Laverne, her sister-in-law Darlene Goldschmidt and her husband Don, 17 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren (with one on the way) and numerous other relatives and friends.  Besides her husband Arnie, she was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Leo & Jessie Wanek, a son Patrick, an infant daughter Jayette, a grandchild Tyler, brothers James and Donald in addition to other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2024 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church.  Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Dave Pleier with burial to take place at Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Saturday, December 28, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the services at 11:30 a.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Home, Klein & Stangel location is assisting the Wanek family with funeral arrangements.

A special thanks to her caregivers in her last days, especially her nurses and her daughters Wendy and Aimee.

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