Jean Elizabeth Riesen, 91


Jean Elizabeth Riesen (nee Klumb), passed away on July 25, 2012, and was born on Feb. 5, 1921, to Arthur and Florence (nee Marth) Klumb in West Bend.

Jean graduated from West Bend High School in 1939 and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, from which she graduated in 1943. She then worked as a vitamin chemist at Abbott Laboratories, where she met her future husband, Norman Riesen. They were married on Feb. 10, 1945. Jean and Norman lived in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Whitefish Bay before returning to West Bend. Jean worked at the West Bend Community Memorial Library for many years.

Jean was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church as well as the Sunshine Circle there. Jean was also a member of the West Bend Beautification Committee, West Bend Country Club, University of Wisconsin Alumni Association and the Washington County Historical Society. Jean was also a past member of the West Bend Woman’s Club.

Jean and Norman had three children: Susan (William) Sprinkmann, Judie (John) Toth, and James (Peggy) Riesen. Jean was beloved Grammy to her nine grandchildren: Alaina (Mark) Scopp, Peter (Jodi) Sprinkmann , Sarah (Ross) Monaghan, Paul Sprinkmann, Jeff (Deanne) Toth, Katie (Jose) Rojas, Kevin Toth, Carrie (Zachary) Kahn, and Brent Riesen. Ten great-grandchildren were blessed to have known Grammy: Julia, Andrew, and Sophia Scopp, Zachary and Ellie Sprinkmann, Chloe and Ethan Monaghan, Emily and Sarah Toth, and Penelope Rojas. Her parents, her brother John and husband Norman preceded Jean in death.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (1044 S. Silverbrook Drive, West Bend, WI 53095) at 11 a.m. with Rev. Darin Wiebe presiding. The visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, Jean’s family requests memorials to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Harvest House, Cedar Community or Kathy Hospice.

Jean’s family would like to thank the ICU Department at Hartford Memorial Hospital and the caring staff at Cedar Community for their excellent care of Jean.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family; (262) 338-2050 or www.phillipfuneralhome.com.