Jean Marie Roelke, passed away Easter Sunday, following a beautiful weekend spent with loved ones and listening to piano music. The Lord welcomed her to Heaven following many years battling dementia, on April 20, 2025, at age 81.

Jean was born on May 29, 1943, to Clarence and Geraldine (Mell) Markgraf, she was raised in Lodi, WI, where she met and married her high school sweetheart Jerry “Coach” Roelke on August 22, 1964. Over 55 years together, they spent their married life living in DeForest, on the Wisconsin River and in Sun City Center, Florida.

Jean was an avid musician, talented at playing piano/organ and singing. She shared her love of music by teaching thousands of children to sing and play the tonette passing through the DeForest/Windsor Elementary Schools. In addition to being a teacher, she spent time (2-3 years) as the band director in Gratiot, WI. Jean’s life was full of purpose, love and support to everyone around her. Her husband was the DeForest High School Football Coach for 50 years; and Jean was the Den mother for thousands of football players who found solace at the Roelke home. Jean NEVER missed a football game, regardless of the weather, and always prepared team snacks.

Nothing was more important than her family. Jean spent several years living with her maternal aunt, Ruby Thompson. Jean had a heart of gold, rarely spoke an unkind word, loved playing chicken foot and watching Hallmark movies. She had been living with her daughter Julie Roelke, and future son-in-law David Ellis, in Ohio as she fought dementia. Her daughter Bonnie of Los Angeles, CA, and son-in-law Scott Robinson, along with their children, Zachary and Stella, would spend quality time visiting Jean. While in Ohio she was often visited by her oldest grandson, Alexander Roelke, and found great joy visiting with life-long friends. Even though the past years were difficult, she always knew she was safe and surrounded by love. Jean is also survived by great grandson Keagan Lord-Roelke and many friends and extended family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jeanette Gilbertson for providing loving care and support to Jean while living in Florida.

Please celebrate Jean’s beautiful life with family and friends at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Christian Faith Moravian Church, 805 E. Holum Street, DeForest, WI. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral with lunch and burial following.

Jean was reunited in Heaven with her husband, Jerry; parents; brothers, James and Jerry Markgraf; and nephew, Chad Markgraf.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org)

To view and sign this guestbook please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Jean Roelke

May 29, 1943 - April 20, 2025

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