Mary Jean Sievert

Mary Jean Sievert, 93, of Eau Claire, died on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at River Pines Nursing Home, Altoona, WI. She was born on September 23, 1924, the daughter of Armand and Louise (Nussbaum) Gygi. She was the last of eleven children and was born and raised in Holcombe, WI. Mary Jean married Donald Oelke on June 26, 1948. They lived in Eau Claire where they raised their son and daughter. Six years after Don’s death in 1971, Mary Jean married Duane Sievert on August 13, 1972. Her family grew larger with the addition of Duane’s three daughters. While living in rural Elk Mound, Mary Jean enjoyed finishing wood-working projects, gardening, and bird watching. She and Duane with the help from the kids built the “Eagle’s Nest,” an A-frame cabin up north. Over the years, they entertained family and friends, creating wonderful memories for everyone. Mary Jean was always up for a road trip. She especially enjoyed the many trips to northern Wisconsin, Sheboygan, and Denver to visit family. Mary Jean and Duane drove their mini-home through almost every state. She also traveled to Switzerland, Hawaii, and Alaska. Everyone who knew Mary Jean will always remember her generosity, fun-loving spirit, and the twinkle in her eye. Mary Jean loved life and always said that God had been good to her and she had been blessed. She is survived by her daughter, Fran Melsness of Eau Claire; son, Jim (Pat) Oelke of Sheboygan; grandchildren, Jon (Diane) Melsness of Denver, CO, Jennifer Witkowski of Plover, Amy Ortlieb of Sheboygan; great grandchildren, Sean and Sam Melsness, Emma and Morgan Witkowski, and Madisyn and Emjay Ortlieb. She is also survived by her loving step-family: step daughters, Ruth (Dennis) Aaron of Hayward, and Rose Mary Sievert of Colfax; step son-in-law, Tom Stallman of Elk Mound; step-grandchildren, Tony (Terri) Aaron of Hayward, Stacy (Royce) Schulz of Hayward, and Adam (Stephanie) Stallman of Elk Mound; step-great-grandchildren, Heather, Jordon, Alex, Sawyer, and Connor. Mary Jean is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Donald Oelke and Duane Sievert; grandson, Bart Oelke; son-in-law, Allen Melsness; step-daughter, Lynn Stallman; and siblings, Armand, Ruth, Henry, Harvey, Phillips, Lillian, Leon, George, Frances, and Raymond. The family offers a special thank you to Dr. Joanna Setla, Mayo Clinic Hospice, and the caring staff at River Pines. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at the WEST CHAPEL location of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the town of Washington.

Service Information

Visitation

Saturday, April 28 2018
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn West Chapel
1405 N. Clairemont Ave
Eau Claire WI 54703

Celebration of Life

Saturday, April 28 2018
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn West Chapel
1405 N. Clairemont Ave
Eau Claire WI 54703

Graveside Service

Saturday, April 28 2018
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Rest Haven Cemetery
5750 Old Town Hall Rd
Washington WI 54701