Obit: Mellenthin, VirJean E. “Jeannie” (1933 - 2022)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Mellenthin, Schemenauer, Thomas, Hempel, Luepke, Kopp, Connelly, Griepentrog, Weihrouch, Egner, Niemen

----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 9/27/2022

Mellenthin, VirJean E .”Jeannie” (30 April 1933 – 26 September 2022)

VirJean E. “Jeannie” Mellenthin, a longtime resident of Spencer, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022, at Three Oaks Health Services in Marshfield at the age of 89.

VirJean was born on April 30, 1933. She graduated from Spencer High School where she met the love of her life. On June 3, 1952, VirJean married Pete Mellenthin in the parsonage at Christ the King Catholic Church. Pete and Jean renewed their vows at St. John's Lutheran Church for their 50th wedding anniversary in 2002. They purchased the family homestead and VirJean worked beside Pete while maintaining a household for her family. Sewing clothes so that her children were able to wear matching outfits for every holiday. She cooked and baked like no other, she could make a wonderful meal from whatever was available at that time. You never went hungry. When anyone would stop and visit no matter what she prepared a meal fit for royalty. She became a cake decorator and instructor. Making 100’s of cakes in the Spencer area for weddings, graduations, birthdays and baptisms. She was always trying to make someone happy. Stopping in the middle of her busy day to make doll clothes for her little girls and their friends. Many of her knitted and crocheted sweaters, mittens and Afghans are still being used today

She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Spencer. She was a Sunday School teacher, 4H leader and cake decorator for many grocery stores in the area. VirJean and Pete were responsible for raising and caring for 26 foster children. VirJean was always there for her family and will be missed.

She is lovingly survived by one sister Pat (Elmer) Schemenauer; her children: Gwen (Wayne Hempel)Thomas of Marshfield; Janine (Bruce) Luepke of Spencer; Randy (Melody) Mellenthin of Unity; Janell (Dennis) Kopp of Loyal and Geana (Kevin) Connelly of Chicago, Illinois; her grandchildren: Troy (Maria) Luepke; DeAnn (Ryan) Griepentrog; Ryan Thomas; Crystal (Curt) Weihrouch, Dana Egner; Luke (Liz) Mellenthin; Brandon Kopp; Allison Mellenthin; Mikayla Kopp; Liam and Grace Connelly. VirJean is further survived by 13 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and a foster son: Rich (Jenny) Niemen along with many other relatives and friends.

VirJean was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, one sister and a grandson; Jacob Kopp and son-in-law Denny Thomas.

A Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 2 P.M. at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Spencer. Pastor Mikayla Kopp, Jeannie’s granddaughter, will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday at the church in Spencer from 12 noon until time of services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial be given to St. John's Lutheran Church in Spencer.

A special thank you to the Three Oaks staff who gave her wonderful care.

VirJean’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com. 

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