Jean R. Krippendorf Obituary
Jean Rose Krippendorf (neé Belinske) passed from this life, aged 90, on November 23, 2023, after a rich and long life. She joins her beloved husband of 66 years, Carl, who died on September 08, 2023. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Michael (Dorothy), David (Monica), Paul, Bob (Beth), and Mary (Dan). She treasured her grandchildren and their spouses: Ryan (Erin), Kurt (Marla), James, Brad, Emily, Nick, and her great grandchildren, Bella, Ivy and Eliza. She will be missed by her sisters, Barbara Belinske and Cathy (Mike) Barnowsky, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jean was born to Francis and Helen Belinske (neé Groh) of Manitowoc and St. Nazianz, WI. She was the eldest of four and cared deeply for her three younger sisters: Barb, Cathy, and Cele. She loved her family and the small town and rural life of those places in midcentury. Francis worked a crane in the shipyards while Helen kept house. They survived the Great Depression and WWII with diligence, frugality, and reverence – but also family fun. Jean regaled her children with tales of holidays and parties, stores, and chores, play and performance, and time well-spent among aunts, uncles, and cousins at farms, shops, picnics, and parks.
Jean graduated from Lincoln H.S. and continued to Holy Family School of Nursing to graduate as a registered nurse (R.N.). She completed rotations at a tubercular sanitarium and Rush Presbyterian Medical Center, Chicago. During her training, she met Carl and dated him through his military service and postings until they married in 1956. Their union brought five children into the world, where Jean's dedication to nursing was not only her vocation, but a preoccupation with nurturing and repairing four sons and a daughter through youthful shenanigans and competitive sports. As the partnership evolved and matured, she returned to work at St. Joseph's Hospital, Milwaukee, eventually with a focus in oncology nursing which she maintained through nearly 25 years of service until her retirement.
She loved to watch birds, whistle, and sing. As children we could hear her dulcet tones from the yard as she prepared lunch or dinner, and we enjoyed a round of carols every Christmas. We are blessed to have shared this life together.
The family would like to thank Dr. Revolinski, the staff at Vista Pointe Assisted Living, and Horizon Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
A visitation will be held starting at 9:30AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM on Saturday, December 2nd, St. Anthony Catholic Church, N74 W13604 Appleton Ave., Menomonee Falls. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Mequon. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations in her name to one of these charities: Partners In Health, Doctors Without Borders, or the American Red Cross.
