Jean Helen Ruddock

It is with deep sadness, tempered by gratitude for a life well-lived, that the family announces the passing of Jean Helen Kresse Ruddock.

By the time one reaches the age of 92, countless human experiences compose a full and many-layered life story. For Jean the theme of that tale was laughter. Even in her last days she made new friends who enjoyed her wry humor, her warmth, her “tell it like it is” viewpoint, her highly audible commentary, and her penetrating blue-eyed presence that somehow filled a room.

The eldest of three siblings, Jean was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Helen Koerber Kresse (delightful human being and hairdresser) and Arthur Louis Kresse (tough-but-well-tenderized meat cutter by trade). Jean’s two boisterous little brothers Donald and Jack completed this loving family.

Jean attended Shorewood High School, graduating in 1950. She adored dogs, books, her friends, family, and occasional forays into “roughing it” cottage life. She dreamed of becoming an interior decorator—but dedicated herself instead to study at the Columbia Hospital School of Nursing. There she became a labor-and-delivery nurse, helping bring hundreds of Milwaukee-area babies into the world across a period spanning more than 30 years.

It was at Columbia that she met her dear, soft-spoken husband of nearly 69 years Norman Keith Ruddock—then a student at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. The couple married in 1955 and built a life together making Wisconsin and Michigan family homes in Franksville, Royal Oak, Shorewood, and Grafton; plus a family lake cabin in Sturgeon Bay. The mid-century modern home they built overlooking the woods and river in Grafton was their pride and joy.

After brief Texan stints in San Antonio and Houston, Norm and Jean designed, built, and retired to their last home overlooking Rock Lake in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. There they fully embraced their roles as the family’s venerated “Nana and Papa.”

We took a poll and it was unanimous; If Jean were to share a life message for all of us it would be, “No matter where life leads, always try to find the humor.” Mom, Nana: we will do our best.

Jean is survived by her daughters Lisa Jean Ruddock and Susan Helene Ruddock Hansen (John), and by her beloved grandchildren Kimberly Jean Carstens Cagle (Hoke) and Marcus Keith Carstens. Norman preceded her in passing by just a few months. Others waiting for her across the veil include her parents Helen and Arthur; her brothers Donald and Jack; her aunties, uncles, cousins and friends; a pack of very dear dog friends, and her cousins Clarence (Marilyn) and Janet Koerber who grew up with and were like brother and sister to her.

A Springtime memorial service honoring the lives of both Norman and Jean is being planned with details to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation that would warm Jean’s heart: to either the Jefferson County Humane Society or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.