Jean A. Keranen

Jean A. Keranen, 82 passed away on October 17, 2025 in Rhinelander, under the loving and compassionate care at Friendly Village Nursing and Rehab Facility, after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born on October 20, 1942 in Kenton, Mich., the daughter of the late Laurie “Tom” and Florence Haarala. Jean graduated from Ewen High School in 1960. She then attended the Northern Michigan University nursing program and earned an LPN degree in 1962. Jean later received her RN degree from Gogebic Community College nursing program. She began her career as a nurse at the Ontonagon Memorial Hospital, the former Northwood Hospital in Phelps, Lillian Kerr Nursing Home in Phelps, she was a Flight for Life nurse, worked as a home healthcare nurse, and at the Eagle River hospital.

On August 21, 1971 she married Martin L. Keranen at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ewen, Mich. Together, they raised four children, Marnie, Ryan (Jodi), Renee (Gwen), Chad (Nicole), and her two beautiful grandchildren, Morgan and Ella. 

Jean will be remembered for her faith, her deep love for her family and friends, her kind and charitable spirit and her love of Sports (Go-Pack-Go). 

Jean is survived by her above-mentioned family as well as her siblings Nina, Lawrence (Lynn), Thomas (Sharon), Mary (Dewey) and Teka (Jeff) and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death is her brother Robert, who is survived by wife Karolyn and their children and grandchildren. 

A memorial Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ewen, Mich. on, Saturday Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Friends may gather at the church one hour prior to the start of the Mass. Jean will be buried at the Hillside Cemetery in Bruce Crossing, with a celebration of life and luncheon afterwards at Twilly’s in Bruce Crossing. 

Jean’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at The Friendly Village Nursing and Rehab Facility who were like a second family to her. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

The Gaffney-Busha and Cane Funeral Homes are assisting the family.