Jean Marie Whitney

Jean Marie Whitney, age 98, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away in the early morning of Friday, June 12, 2026 surrounded by the presence of love of so many. Jean was born in Eau Claire on January 22, 1928 to George and Mary (Van Domelen) Wilson. Jean grew up in Eau Claire on Water Street until her family moved to Rice Lake, WI in her early high school years. She graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1946.

On August 24, 1947, she married George "Allen" Whitney. Together they raised their seven children in Rice Lake. Jean was a mom first. She loved her family. She later worked as a cook at St. Joseph Catholic School and after that at the Rice Lake High School. Jean and Allen shared a life together for 63 years until Allen's passing on April 19, 2011.

Jean enjoyed cooking, reading, cleaning, making others laugh, being organized, Las Vegas, hot fudge sundaes, watching the birds hang around her bird feeders, Diet Dr. Pepper, hot chocolate, playing cards and games, watching The Golden Girls, challenging opinions, telling stories, and so much more. She was a true joy to be around. She was good for the soul.

Jean's last few years of her life were spent at Dove South in Eau Claire, WI. She loved it there. She made so many friends. She was loved by all who were there. She sang, entertained, played cards, ate desserts, watched her birds, and visited with family and friends. The family would like to thank everyone at Dove South for their love and care for Jean for four years. She truly lived her best life there. The staff there went above and beyond and treated her like family.

She will forever remain in the hearts of her children Mary (David) Hauck of Minneapolis, Cindy (Boyd) Beranek of Rice Lake, David Whitney of St. Paul, Lorie (Steve) Holt of Rice Lake, Tom (Christina) Whitney of Necedah, and Amy (Eric) Gonyea of Eau Claire; thirteen grandchildren, Brian Hauck (Julie), Niki Hauck (Doug Polzin), Dan Beranek (Teri), Tim Beranek (Ali), Margo Gregor (Kyle), Abbey Holt (Joel Bonner), Holly Schulz (Anthony), Heidi Whitney (Travis Tinney), Alexis Blank (Josh), Jessica Chosa (Tom), Jacob Whitney (Alesia Meulmans), Cole Gonyea (Karmen), and Sydney Glassbrenner (Craig); thirteen great grandchildren, Nick, Alex, William, Owen, Jude, Ian, Reid, Ella, Fallon, Nolan, Deacon, Eleanor, and Amelia; and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; Husband (Allen); Siblings (in order from oldest to youngest) Sister Norma; Brothers George (Bub), Vernon (Windy), Don, Jack, and Gerald (Jerry); Son George Allen Jr.; Great grandson Finneas Jacob Blank.

Family and friends are invited to share the Celebration of Jean's Life on Sunday, July 5 at Stokes, Prock, & Mundt Funeral Chapel & Crematory in Altoona, Wi from 2-4 pm. A short service will take place at 3 pm. A private family burial will take place at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.creamationsociety-wi.com