Jean Henke

Jean Lorraine Henke, 81, of Westfield, WI, and formerly, Grand Marsh, WI, passed away at her home, January 17, 2023, following illness. Jean was a beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister and friend to many. She will be missed.

Jean was born on August 11, 1941 in Portage, WI to Otis Stevens and Geneva (Laufenberg) Stevens. The family resided in Grand Marsh. Jean's mother passed away in 1954. After her passing, her father Otis married Lulu Bell Hanson. Out of this marriage, Jean would have four younger siblings: Tim, Lori, Kenny and Bobby. Otis was a great small engine mechanic and worked out of his garage.

Jean had her schooling at the old one-room schoolhouse in Grand Marsh.  The local community center in Grand Marsh held many community events in those days, including movie nights, and it was at these functions where Jean met Steve Kopstein (born October 6, 1937). The two were married on December 24, 1958 in Grand Marsh.  Shortly after marriage, Steve and Jean moved down to Milwaukee where Steve held a job at American Motors. The couple had two children during this time: son James Kopstein (Lisa) born October 19, 1960 (died December 22, 2008); and daughter Debra (Arnold) born on November 6, 1962.  A year or two after Deb's birth, the family moved back up to Grand Marsh where Steve purchased and operated his own auto repair, service and supply shop, Steve's Citgo.

Throughout their years of marriage, Steve and Jean enjoyed fishing adventures together and maintained beautiful gardens year after year, opening a vegetable stand for locals to buy quality produce.  The couple also enjoyed cutting, processing and smoking meats for local friends and family.  Jean worked for many years at Westfield Tool and Molding Company. She also worked for different local farms. She was a good homemaker and care giver. She mourned the passing of husband Steve on June 29, 1999.

Jean met Ron Henke of Westfield, WI and the two were wed in Las Vegas, NV on January 19, 2005.  Ron worked as an over-the-road trucker and the two sweethearts were in constant contact throughout their days together and went on frequent weekend getaways.  Ron had a new house built in 2003 just outside of Westfield, where the couple resided until her passing. Here, Jean enjoyed small gardening, feeding the birds and watching the deer.

Jean was preceded in death by her first husband, Steve Kopstein; father, Otis Stevens; mother, Geneva Stevens (Laufenberg); son, James Kopstein; granddaughter, Jackie Kopstein; great-grandson, Jasper; father-in-law, Gerhardt Henke; step father-in-law, Eldon Bengsch; brothers-in-law, Donald Henke and Jerry Hodge and step-grandson, Ashton Zuehls.

She is survived by husband, Ron Henke; step-mother, Lulu Bell Stevens; mother-in-law, Verla Henke-Bengsch; brothers, Tim, Kenny and Bobby Stevens; sister, Lori Stevens; daughter, Debra (Arnold) Cavanaugh of Grand Marsh; step-son, Ronald (Sara) Henke; step-daughters, Lynette (Jeremy) Schehr and Melanie (Zeb) Zuehls; eight grandchildren; grandsons, Steve Kopstein, Otis Kopstein, Arnold (Tanya) Cavanaugh and Cody Kopstein; granddaughters, Anna (Martin) Sytsma, Casey (Alan) Metz, Michelle (Ben) Egnaty; and many beloved great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and eight step-grandchildren.  Jean is also survived by her brother-in-law, Dave (Carla) Henke; sisters-in-law, Marie Hodge, Becky Rose and Kay (Eddie) Nelson as well as other relatives and friends.

A funeral service for Jean will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westfield with Rev. Jesse Davis officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Town of Springfield.  A visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.

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