Jean Steffen

MADISON - Jean Schoonover Steffen, age 89, passed away Monday, November 27, 2017, exactly one year to the date after her husband, John A. Steffen. She died at Hebron Hall, Oakwood Village West. Jean was born an identical twin on June 16, 1928 in Monroe, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray H. ("Pat") and Selma (Babler) Schoonover, her brother Richard Schoonover, and her twin sister June Schoonover Sweitzer.

Jean graduated from the UW-Madison where she met her husband of 66 years, John Steffen. They are survived by their three daughters: Jane Kolakowski (Peter) of Fredericksburg, VA, Janet Whittow (Richard) of Menomonee Falls, WI, and Barbara Finley (Patrick) of Madison.

Jean was a prolific volunteer from 1960 -2015. Some of the organizations that benefited from her time and talents include Girl Scouts, HeadStart program, Madison Methodist Hospital, Madison Red Cross, and Naples, FL Community Hospital. She was also a charter member of Metropolitan Woman's Club. Jean was a member of Blackhawk Country Club, where she was proud of her hole-in-one on the 5th hole of their golf course. In addition to golf, Jean played tennis and bridge, and enjoyed reading. She loved skiing and traveling, too. Jean had many friends whom she cherished and enjoyed.

In addition to her daughters and sons-in-law, Jean is survived by six grandchildren: Christopher Kolakowski, Kathryn Kolakowski, Ryan Whittow (Carolyn), Megan Whittow, Sean Finley (fiancé Danielle Beckwith), and Elizabeth Finley. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

A member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, a celebration of Jean's life will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, December 1, 2017 at COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 326 S. Segoe Road, Madison. A visitation will be held from 5 PM until 7 PM on November 30 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison and also an hour before the church service on December 1.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Oakwood Foundation, to Covenant Presbyterian Church, or to the American Red Cross.

The family remains forever grateful to the caregivers and staff at Oakwood and Hebron Hall. Their love, skill, and attention to Jean made her final days comfortable.

Please share your memories of Jean.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Rd, Madison
608-238-3434