Genevieve M. Jewell's Obituary
Genevieve Maxine (Lepak) Jewell, 80 of Amherst, WI, died on March 24, 2011 under Hospice Care at the Portage County Nursing Home, surrounded by her family.
She was born December 30th, 1930 in Custer WI, to Vincent and Johanna (Lepinski) Lepak. She attended a one room school in Custer and graduated from high school at P.J.Jacobs High School in 1947 in Stevens Point, WI.
Her marriage to James (Jim) Jewell took place on Dec. 4, 1948 in Paducah, KY and lasted until his death in December of 2000. Their early years of marriage were spent across the United States, following Jim’s Army career. They then spent several years in Wisconsin Dells and eventually ended up in Wisconsin Rapids, where they lived until retirement. Genevieve worked at various positions, including being a homemaker, nursing assistant, daycare provider and even a cranberry sorter. She loved to visit with people and enjoyed sharing life stories with all. After retirement, they were hosts for the “Journey’s End” Bed and Breakfast in Amherst, where their hospitality and cuisine garnered many compliments and repeat customers. Her recipes have been passed on to friends and family, especially her famous pickle ones. Upon retiring from the hospitality business, Genevieve and Jim moved back to Wisconsin Rapids and enjoyed several years relaxing, traveling out west and to the Black Hills, gardening, bird feeding and enjoying their grandchildren. Following Jim’s death, Genevieve moved back to Amherst,WI, where she took up such activities as helping out at the Library, donating to the TRACT program, participating in a scrabble group as well as enjoying her Card Club and continuing her bird-feeding activities.
Her lifelong interest in crocheting left behind afghans for every grandchild and even great grandchildren, as well as many donations to friends and charities. Her love of gathering with friends and playing cards will be remembered by friends and family, old and new. She was such an avid reader that she kept notebooks of books read, reread and ones to be read yet. She even ventured into using a computer for card games and a Kindle for reading. Her excellent crossword puzzle solving skills left all her children in the dust.
Genevieve is survived by her five children: Dr. Kay Jewell, Stevens Point, Pamela Jewell (Peter Blenker), Amherst, Perry Jewell, Stevens Point, Glenda Jewell, New Port Richey, FL., and Leonard Jewell (Geri), Apple Valley Minnesota. She is further survived by grandchildren—Abigail Adams, Jason (Jenny), Justin and Kristifer Blenker, Irish and Laine Jewell, Travis (Caitie) Schulz, Travis Jewell, Seth Olson, Sara (George) Cooper, and Katelyn and Emily Jewell. Her great grandchildren are Jesse Blenker, and Athena,Logan,Summer and Makenzie Schulz.
She is also survived by her brothers, Melvin (Kate)Lepak and Stanley Lepak, and her sisters, Daisy Konkol and Eugenia (Perry) Ward, and sister-in-law, Charlotte Lepak, and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, James, Brothers Harry,James and Chester, Sisters Rose, Martha, Loretta and Tessy, and grand-daughter-in-law, Kimberly Jewell.
At her request no funeral service will be held. A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Her family wishes to thank all of her friends, family and care providers who helped make her life comfortable and enjoyable. The Jungers-Holly Funeral Home of Amherst is assisting the family with arrangements.
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