Jeane I. Frederick

Our precious mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Jeane I Frederick has gone to dance on the heavenly streets of gold with her beloved Bob.

Jeane was born at home on her family’s farm in the Town of Dayton, WI, on a cold November day. The daughter of Linder E. and Lila V. (Smith) Wilson, she was the youngest of five children. As a child, her family moved to Wild Rose and she became a proud graduate of Wild Rose High School, class of 1953.

 Jeane met and married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Frederick in 1955.   Jeane and Bob had a beautiful marriage that lasted 48 years. Together they built the Robert J. Frederick Insurance Agency, where Jeane worked as secretary. When you came through the door, Jeane would greet you with her friendly smile or answer the phone with her pleasant voice and was always willing to help in any way she could. Bob always said the agency was successful because of the kindness Jeane extended to everyone, and their shared commitment to taking care of the community they served. They always wanted to support and encourage children and families, and so began the “I read about you” mailings. Every week, Jeane would cut out newspaper clips from the local papers highlighting someone’s recent achievements, and write a note to them and their family, letting them know, “I read about you”! This was her way of spreading love, joy, and focusing on the goodness in the world. Bob preceded her in death in 2004.

Jeane will fondly be remembered by many as the “candy lady”. Whether passing out candy at her grandchildrens sporting events, or tossing a handful on the table when you were out for coffee, Jeane always had an assortment of cinnamon, peppermint, ‘scutterbotch”, and “smarties” to share with everyone.

And while she was proud and loving of her communities, it was her family that meant the most to her. She had three children: Melodi L Simos, Mark R Frederick and Mari K (Steven Dahlke) Frederick that were truly blessed to call her Mom.   Together they gave her eight grandchildren: Krystal (Steven) Donaldson, Blake (Michaela) Frederick, Dustin Frederick, Tina (Emily) Netzler, Whitney Jeane Netzler, Tanner Netzler; Michelle (Scott) Nickel, and Amy Dahlke. Because she had more love to go around, she was given eight great grandchildren: Ella Jeane, Madeleine “Maddie”, Noah Robert, Zach, Josh, Ava, Max and Maddy.

Jeane’s love and light shown through every life she touched. In her last years, she was blessed with a second family of caregivers who brought joy and happiness to her as she tried to make sense of a life with Dementia. It is because of their compassion and kindness, “Jiffy” as they affectionately called her, was able to stay in the home she loved.

Jeane is survived by her sister Wilma “Rusty” Simonson (Wild Rose), and her brother-in-law, Richard Neveau (Green Bay). She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents Linder and Lila (Smith) Wilson, her brother Fay M. (Donna) Wilson, two sisters Rita Neveau and Rose (Frank) Thekan, and brother-in-law Clifford Simonson.

Jeane would often say “that makes my heart happy”  when she could do something for others. She lived her life by the poem she had posted on her refrigerator:

“I shall pass through this life but once,

if therefore there is any good thing I can do, or any kindness I can show

let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Private family services will be held at Leikness Funeral Home in Wautoma. She will be laid to rest next to her husband Bob at Wautoma Union Cemetery. A public Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. 

A memorial will be established with funds supporting the Waushara County Aging and Disability Services, Wild Rose Historical Society, and Wild Rose Skating project.