Jeanne Delores Larkee

Jeanne Delores (Schraeder) Larkee, 97, passed her earthly life on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Riverview Terrace, Tomahawk. She was born the only daughter of Arthur and Edith (Wilson) Schraeder on March 13, 1924 in Madison, Wisconsin. She married Kenneth Larkee on April 29, 1948 in Merrill, Wisconsin. They enjoyed fifty-one years together before Kennie passed in 2000. As a young girl, Jeanne spent her early school years in Georgia. She said, “If you wore shoes to school there, you were considered rich.” Since she walked, she would hide her shoes on the way to school and retrieve them again on the way back home. In the early forties she worked alongside her mother and two aunts at Fairbanks Morse Co in Beloit building airplane parts. She moved to Merrill in 1947 to work for her Aunt Tot at Steuri’s Museum Tavern, where she met Kenneth. The two enjoyed going to dances and never missed the Howie Sturtz Band when they played in town. Jeanne enjoyed doing yard work, their cabin, and crafts (especially plastic canvas). She loved anything Irish, autumn, fresh sparkly snow, and roses. She also liked sharing nostalgic memories of her childhood, growing up with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and the ‘hard times’ era. She of course also enjoyed having her grandchildren around. Survivors include one daughter, Judith (Russell) Wilde of Kronenwetter; two granddaughters, Renee Wilde (Jason Cance) of Eau Claire and Rachel Wilde of Kronenwetter; one grandson, Ryan (Carlee) Wilde of Merrill; and three great-grandsons, Devonte Fisher of Madison, Connor Wilde and Davien Wilde. Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Larkee; her parents, Arthur and Edith Schraeder; son, Jeffery Larkee; and several close aunts and uncles. Thanks to Lakeland for their helpful assistance throughout the years, and Riverview Terrace for their care and support. Also, a special thank you to Julie Schutz for her dedicated time, caring, and assistance. Mother’s life was made easier because you cared. A private family funeral was held. Burial took place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery in Merrill, Wisconsin. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made to www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.