Jean Ellen Kutzke

POYNETTE – Jean Ellen Kutzke, 91, passed away from lung cancer on February 13, 2018 in Bellevue, Washington.

Jean was born on August 16, 1926, in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, the daughter of Herbert and Florence (Seth) Miller.  She graduated from Portage High School in 1944 and attended UW Madison for two years before leaving school to marry Jack Kutzke in 1947.  They were married for 48 years.  In 2002, Jean moved to Seattle to be with three of her sons and daughters-in-law and their families. 

Jean was dedicated to being a great wife and raising her five sons who all graduated from a four year UW system college.  She was secretary at her church, a member of the prayer group and participated in numerous Bible studies.  Jean had such heartfelt empathy for others and cared for the frail and elderly in their homes for many years.   She took such good care of her five boys and they are truly blessed with the knowledge of how wonderful and loving a mother can be.  The family is devastated at mom's passing but find comfort that she is reunited with dad.  All five boys felt that to both mom and dad, they were their number one priority and were blessed to have such wonderful parents. 

She is survived by her sons, Jonathan of Poynette, Joel (Dianne) of Vashon, Washington, James of Poynette, Jerold (Lisa) of Renton, Washington and Jason (Kimberly) of Carnation, Washington; grandchildren, Danielle (Jeff) Jett of Miamisburg, Ohio; Jeremy and Sara Kutzke, of Vashon, Washington, Lee Kutzke of Boston, Massachusetts; Olivia and Josh Kutzke, of Renton, Washington; Megan (Casey) Worzella of Carnation, Washington; great grandchildren, Luke and Chloe of Miamisburg, Ohio and Cadence of Carnation, Washington; In-laws, Genevieve Miller of Markesan, Patricia Kutzke of Verona and Anthony Bortz of Portage and many relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Florence Miller; husband, Jack (1995);  brothers, Norman Miller, Paul Miller, and Raymond Miller; In-Laws, Karl and Alpha Kutzke, Mary Hiller, Carlton Kutzke, Jerome Kutzke and Kathleen Bortz.

A memorial service was held in Issaquah, Washington on February 24, 2018 with Rev. Debbie Boyce and the Seattle Kutzke families participating.  

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held in Wisconsin on Mother’s Day weekend at the Dekorra Lutheran Church, in Poynette/Lake Wisconsin on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Ryan Rouse and Rev. Joel Kutzke officiating.  Family members will participate in the service with memories and song.  Lunch will be served immediately after the service with time afterwards for socialization and reminiscing with family and friends at the church.  

A private inurnment will be on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at the Silver Lake Cemetery in Portage. 

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.