Obituaries

Jean Karen Druckenmiller

May 29, 1945 - January 30, 2024

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Obituary For Jean Karen Druckenmiller

Madison - Jean K. Druckenmiller, 78, passed away on Jan. 30, 2024 at her home in Madison. She was born in Denver, Colorado to Karl Laidig and Clara (Dittavio) Laidig. She met her husband Stan while attending Colorado State University and married in 1966. They moved to Wisconsin with their son Patrick in 1968.

Jean began her career as a clinical microbiologist with UW Hospital. She later became an epidemiologist and infection disease preventionist with the Wisconsin Division of Public Health. She served as Wisconsin’s first HIV/AIDS Surveillance Coordinator and later led the State’s surveillance system for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. She was a leader in infection control and awarded numerous accolades including the 1998 Friend of Wisconsin APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) Award. She also received Honorable Mention for Wisconsin’s Virginia Hart Award which recognizes women as “unsung heroines” in State service.

Jean had a life-long love of Nature, bird watching and spending time with family, friends and dogs at the cabin on Lake Superior. Jean was a longtime volunteer and board member of Madison Audubon Society where she focused on fundraising events including the annual bird seed sale and Art Fair’s silent auction. She was a great supporter of Goose Pond Sanctuary. Wisconsin Public Television benefited from her volunteering efforts for over four decades. She served as co-chair of the Art and Antiques Auction, worked on both Garden and Quilt Expos, pledge drives, and was honored as Volunteer of the Year. Jean also sang with Madison Symphony Chorus for 42 years.

She is survived by her son Patrick (Lisa) Druckenmiller, granddaughter Maggie, cousins Elaine Paulson and Maralyn Devlin, and aunt Jo Ann. She was preceded in death by her parents Karl and Clara, and husband Stan. Memorials can be made to Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, Dane County Humane Society, or Friends of PBS Wisconsin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N Sherman Ave, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. A visitation will take place at the church from 10am until the time of service. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

Services

13 Feb

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Peter Catholic Church 5001 North Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
13 Feb

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 AM

St. Peter Catholic Church 5001 North Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • February 13, 2024

    Jeannie - I so love and respect you. I worked with Jeannie for 12 years at Wisconsin Public Television. Jeannie served as an ardent volunteer for both Garden Expo and Quilt Expo and was a tremendous help with her ideas, kindness and support. Jeannie also served on the WPT Leadership Committee. Such an intelligent, giving, and sweet person...Jeannie will never be forgotten! On behalf of Wisconsin Public Television so many thanks for so many volunteer years and so sorry, Patrick, for your huge loss. DeAnne Massey

  • February 13, 2024

    I met Jeannie through my work in the Children's Hospital HIV Program. Jeannie was one of the first people I spoke with after I started working in the program. I immediately knew that she was someone that I wanted to work with and learn from. She cared deeply about the families we cared for. I could feel her heart sink when a child was newly diagnosed with HIV. Jeannie wanted to make sure everyone got the care they needed. Jeannie also was a great communicator-at least monthly she pulled out her very large scroll of paper to review every single child with HIV in the state. I actually didn't ever read the scroll, it was kept under lock and key, but Jeannie knew everything! Jeannie made the world such a kinder and better place. She will be missed. Blessings to her family. Barbara Cuene

  • February 12, 2024

    Patrick, we are saddened by the passing of your mother. We kept up with her volunteerism and civic work through your dad. Stan kept us informed on her many professional accomplishments. She was a remarkable lady and an excellent cook, too. I recall a teriyaki roast she made when I helped your dad and mom move from Rio to Maple Bluff. That was the best roast ever, and Stan raved about her Italian cuisine.

  • February 11, 2024

    Jeannie was our very special friend and loved the prairies, birds and wildlife of Goose Pond Sanctuary. We will always remember her time spent with us and her dog companions, watching waterfowl coming and going to the pond. Susan Foote-Martin & Mark Martin

  • February 09, 2024

    Patrick and Family, I am so sorry for your loss as Jeannie was my mentor in infection prevention and control over twenty-eight years ago and I truly believe my success in this ever-changing field, was due to her dedication and efforts to keep all in WI (and the nation) safe. From her warm smile to her kind heart, she will be missed but her dedication will continue in those who she touched. I wish I could share my condolences in person, but I will be teaching for APIC to prepare the next generation of certified infection preventionists, but will be thinking of her and your family as I share so much of what she had taught me. DeAnn

  • February 08, 2024

    I met Jeannie when I joined the Board of the Madison Audubon Society in the late 80s and was instantly impressed by her commitment, energy, and kindness. We lost touch when we moved to Maine in 1995, but every October, I have fond memories of the MAS Seed Sale and the fantastic crew that made it happen. Jeannie, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to know you and work with you on something we cared about.

  • February 07, 2024

    Patrick and family, Since hearing of your mom's passing, I have been reminiscing about all the times we spent together at work, attending APIC meetings, and working on state conference planning committees together. They are cherished memories I have of a smart, capable, gracious lady, and I am so blessed to have known and worked with her. I was her successor after she "retired" from DPH, and I asked her several times to come back to help during crisis situations--she always said "yes." I am also so grateful she and your dad agreed to adopt our son's dog, River. Wow, that dog had a dream life with her human parents Jeannie and Stan. I extend my sympathy to you, Maggie, and Lisa as you mourn such a profound loss. May the wonderful memories you have give you comfort. Gwen Borlaug

  • February 07, 2024

    Enjoyed visiting with Jeannie when she visited in Denver, she will be greatlly missed. The family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • February 07, 2024

    When I joined the Madison Symphony Chorus in 2015, Jeanie recognized my name from the years I spent working with Dr. Dennis Maki at UW-Madison. I loved sitting in front of her in the Chorus and looked forward to our weekly check-ins. My heart hurts knowing those visits are over. (((Hugs)))

  • February 06, 2024

    Patrick & family, Please accept my deepest sympathy. Jeannie (& Stan) and I crossed paths decades ago at WHA-TV. They were so dedicated to whatever they did and genuinely nice people. My life was enriched knowing them. Peace, Michael Schultz

Tributes

  • Ocean Devotion

    Janet Stempniak sent Ocean Devotion for Jean Karen Druckenmiller - February 12, 2024

    In loving memory of Mrs. Druckenmiller. She always welcomed me as her 2nd son. Love, Dan Stempniak

  • 5 TREES

    Janet Stempniak planted 5 trees in memory of Jean Karen Druckenmiller . - February 12, 2024

  • Radiant Foliage Planter

    Susan Foote - January 01, 1970

    To our friend and lover of Nature. From Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, formally Madison Audubon Society

  • Gracious Lavender Basket

    Gracious Lavender Basket was sent for Jean Karen Druckenmiller - February 10, 2024

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Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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