Jean Ann Gummow's Obituary
La Crosse, WI, formerly of Racine – Jean Ann Gummow, age 80, went home to her heavenly Father, on February 13, 2024, at Eagle Crest South Assisted Living in La Crosse.
Jean was born in Janesville, WI to Hollis Wilson and N. Maye (nee Fuller) Hedgecock on January 26, 1944. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Sioux Falls University in South Dakota and master’s degree at the Dominican College of Racine, both in education. Jean was united in marriage to Rodney Gordon Gummow on February 10, 1973, in Racine, WI. They were married for 40 years until he preceded her in death on September 23, 2013.
Jean was a faithful member of Living Faith Lutheran Church, formerly Atonement Lutheran Church in Racine. She was a dedicated educator with Racine Unified School District where she had a positive and lasting impact on the many students that she taught at Knapp and Johnson Elementary schools throughout her career. She also worked part-time at Kohls Department Store for over 20 years. Jean was a member of numerous organizations including Racine Education Association, Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association, Adventures in Lifelong Learning at UW- Parkside, and American Association of University Women. She enjoyed being a troop leader of Girl Sout Troop #103 based out of Jefferson Lighthouse Elementary School. Jean also generously gave of her time with charitable organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation and other local charities.
Jean will be lovingly remembered by her son, Justin (Sarah) Gummow; daughter, Ann (Jake) Patty; stepchildren: Craig (Kathy) Gummow, Susan Trotter, and Cindy (Tom) MacKinney; grandchildren: Jessa, Julia, Micah, Mina, Paxton and Everly; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Jean was also preceded in death by her parents, Hollis and N Maye Hedgecock; and siblings, Elizabeth Verlena Faegre, Barbara Faye (Donald) Bartle, Judith Maye (George) Graves, George Houston (Jeannie) Hedgecock, and John Hollis (Michelle) Hedgecock.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at Living Faith Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Avenue, Racine, WI 53405, on Saturday, February 24, 2024, with public visitation beginning at 2:00 PM until the memorial service starting at 3:00 PM. Pastor Justin Kierzek will officiate. In Lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Eagle Crest South Assisted Living and Gundersen Hospice Care for their kind and compassionate care given to Jean and her family.
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