Margaret “Jean” Waalkens

Margaret "Jean” Waalkens, age 89, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 23, 2024, with family at her side. Jean was born on July 29, 1934, in the town of Argonne, to the late James and Dorla (nee Roberts) Johnson. She was the ninth of 12 children. She graduated from Crandon High School on May 26, 1953. She married the love of her life, Willard Waalkens, on October 1, 1955. They made their home in Argonne where they raised their four children: Charles, Kelly, Sharon, and Mary. They had been married for 54 years when Willy passed away. 

Jean was a homemaker, and, in those days, this could be quite the challenge but she rose above and beyond it. She was an amazing cook, baker, and candy maker. She gardened, canned, picked berries and apples, and her fried chicken and fish were second to none. If you were ever at her home, you can bet that you were offered something to eat! In fact, she often baked just in case someone might stop in. 

She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt and friend. She enjoyed talking on the phone to her sisters and spending time with them and with many friends, neighbors, and nieces and nephews whenever she could.

In her spare time, Jean was an avid reader and talented crafter. She always looked forward to going to rummage sales with her sweet friend, Jane. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a Grandma’s Brag Book filled with pictures that she carried in her purse wherever she went. 

 Jean truly had a heart of gold, and she cared deeply for all of those she knew. She was generous, witty, and enjoyed serving others whether it be in the kitchen at a funeral, delivering cookies to the nursing home or babysitting for friends and family. She knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior and she introduced her children to Him as well. She will be so deeply missed but at the same time we rejoice for her as she is now in the presence of God. 

Jean is survived by her four children, Charles Waalkens, Kelly (Barb) Waalkens, Sharon (Ray) Papapetru and Mary (Herb) Lemon. She is further survived by 13 grandchildren, Ashley (Luke) Kouba, Dakota (Laura) Waalkens, Leanna (George) Asante, Heidi Jeffcoat (Andrew Thompson), Valerie (Nic) Huggins, Krista (Nick) Andersen, Ray (Tiffany) Papapetru, Rebecca Papapetru (Zach Sisel), Trista (Justin) Harris, Tene’ (Colton) Snodgrass, Frank (Lori) Goodman, Brandon (Leah) Davis, Karen Simmons, 29 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, and many precious nieces, nephews and friends. 

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Willard (Willy) Waalkens, her brothers: Jim, Allen, Lloyd, and Jack Johnson, her sisters: Dorla Pitts, Lorraine Zelechowski, Helen Mercer, Phyllis Pitts, Nancy Johnson, Joyce Gabarek and Alice Russell.

The family would like to thank Friendly Village Nursing Home and Aspirus Hospice Care for the assistance in caring for our beloved mom and grandma. 

A visitation will be held at Praise Chapel Community Church in Crandon on June 15, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11. a.m. Services for Jean will follow at 11 a.m. with her son, Kelly Waalkens, officiating and assisted by Mr. Brent Walentowski. Burial will be held at the Town of Argonne Cemetery. 

Online condolences may be directed to www.weberhillfuneralhome.com.