Jean Paulette (Zenke) Brown, 88, of Sparta, WI, passed away at Mulder Healthcare Facility in West Salem, WI, June 23, 2024. Jean was born July 12, 1935, in La Crosse, WI, to Paul H. and Lydia (Rodenberg) Zenke.
She became a child of God through holy baptism on August 25, 1935, by Rev. E. G. Gertler in South Ridge, Minnesota. Her baptismal sponsors were Lydia Niemeier and Arnold Zenke. Jean was confirmed in the Christian faith on May 29, 1949, at St. John’s Evangelical Church in Sparta, WI, by Rev. Arthur Berg. She was united in marriage to Lloyd H. Brown on September 9, 1953, in Waukon, Iowa. They lived their entire married lives in Sparta.
Jean graduated from Sparta High School in May of 1953. She worked at Jacksons, Montgomery Ward Catalog office, and Northern Engraving. For 21 years she worked as a teacher’s aide at Sparta Junior High School prior to her retirement in 1994.
She enjoyed crocheting, embroidering and card making. She enjoyed being with her family, and her grandchildren. Jean was a member of the Western Wisconsin Country Music Association, WREA (Wisconsin Retired Educators Association) member, and a lifetime member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sparta, where she was in the ladies aide. She reached the earthly age of 88 years old, 11 months, and 11 days.
Jean is survived by four children, Rodney (Sharon), David (Anne Marie), all of Wauwatosa, Curtiss (Deb) of Bangor, WI, and Paula (Lee) Williams of Sparta, WI; five grandchildren, Dylan and Sydney Brown of Wauwatosa, Curtiss Ray (Chelsea) Brown of Sparta, and Justin Williams of Onalaska, Heather (Nate) Walther of Minot, ND; great grandchildren, Layla Braatz, Evelyn Sesemann, Jackson Brown, Sawyer Brown, Raegan Brown, Nataleigh Williams, Adrian Williams, Norah Williams, Gwen Williams, Elijah Walther, and Daniel Walther; along with other relatives and friends.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lloyd; and great grandson, Silas Williams.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, June 27, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sparta, WI. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home, 1132 Angelo Rd. Sparta, WI. Visitation will also be held Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
The Torkelson Funeral Home
