Jean Statz, 87, of Martinsville, died surrounded by family at Brookdale Stonefield Memory Care in Middleton, on Saturday, November 16, 2024. She was born August 8, 1937, to Anton and Henrietta (Zander) Laufenberg, and grew up on the family farm in Pine Bluff.
She married Roman Statz on August 9, 1956, at St. Mary's of Pine Bluff Church, and then farmed with Roman in Martinsville for 59 years. Her dedication to hard work showed in all of her chores: farming, gardening, praying, quilting, preserving foods, cooking countless meals and baking, especially making cornflake bars and heavenly hash. As she often said, “I have a sweet tooth as big as anybody."
Jean is survived by five children: Kevin, Marcelline (Peter) Ystenes, Joan (Richard) Gassen, Martin (Mary), Sarah (Kevin) Cords; and nine grandchildren. She is further survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Eileen (Jim) Rauls, and sister-in-law Judy (Jack) Laufenberg. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Brian; twin brother, Jack Laufenberg; sister and brother-in-law Marian (Dave) Keller; brothers and sisters-in-law Herbert (Betty) Laufenberg, Kenneth (Rose Marie) Laufenberg, and Arthur (Leona) Laufenberg; in-laws Genevieve (Chris) Koch, Evelyn (Don) Hellenbrand, and Robert (Rosemary) Statz; a niece, Kathy Keller; and nephews, Mark Statz, and Randy and Jim Laufenberg.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 26, at 11 a.m., at St. Martin's Church in Martinsville (5959 St. Martin Circle), with Fr. Michael Wanta officiating. Friends may call on Monday, November 25, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Highway Q, Waunakee. Friends may also call at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery immediately following. A luncheon will follow at Springfield Inn in Springfield Corners (6136 County Rd. P, Dane, WI).
The family extends special thanks to Dr. Amy Grelle, Tanya, and the entire staff at UW Health Cross Plains Clinic for always giving Jean thoughtful care. The family is also eternally grateful for the loving care provided for Jean by the caregivers and staff at Brookdale Stonefield Memory Care in Middleton. The family also greatly appreciates the guidance and care provided by Agrace–both palliative and hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society. Other donations will be used for masses of holy remembrance and to provide an honorarium for Jean's caregivers at Brookdale.
Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q Waunakee