Obituary for Jean Johanna Bartholomew

Jean Johanna (Zemke) Bartholomew, 100 years of age, passed away peacefully on October 10th, 2024. She was born October 8, 1924 in North Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, the second child of the late Otto Zemke and Maureen Minahan. Jean’s mother Maureen died when Jean was only 3 years old leaving behind her husband Otto, Jean, sister Betty, and brother Robert. She and her siblings lived in an orphanage in Oshkosh, WI until their father Otto married Celia Muehrer in 1928. Jean grew up in Gillett, WI. Otto was a shoemaker and Celia was a loving mother and wife. Following high school Jean attended The Milwaukee School of Business. While living in Milwaukee she met and married John Bartholomew (Lodi, WI) in 1945. Jean and John moved to Durand, WI in 1947. During their 28 years together they raised four children: Jane, Jack, Jody, and Jim. In the early 60’s Jean and John were part of the founding group that organized and created Faith Lutheran Church in Durand. Jean faithfully served as church organist and choir accompanist there for several years. Her Hammond organ was the center piece of her living room.

In 1976 Jean moved to Shawano, WI where she made her home for the next 30 years. During those years she worked at the Shawano County Courthouse and was the office manager for First Presbyterian Church in Shawano. Jean was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and served as an organist and member of their handbell choir. Her hobbies included bridge, knitting, and quilting. Over the years Jean made beautiful batik quilts, wall hangings, t-shirt quilts for her grandchildren and baby quilts for her great grandchildren.

In 2007 at the age of 83, Jean moved to Iowa to be closer to her daughter Jody. Over the last several years she continued to bring great joy with her wit and humor to not only her family but residents and staff wherever she resided. At the age of 96 she could still be found “tickling the ivories” with her rendition of the age old songs “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue” and “Around the World (in 80 Days)”.

Over the course of Jean’s 100 years she witnessed and experienced many extraordinary things: The Great Depression, the attack on Pearl Harbor and WWII with her brother Bob in combat in Europe, the big band era of the 40’s, advancements in technology and engineering with television, microwaves, and men landing on the moon, the evolution of typewriters to computers and the internet just to name a few!

Jean’s parents, siblings, and a granddaughter preceded her in death. She is survived by her four children, Jane Bartholomew, John S. “Jack” Bartholomew (Trish), Jo Ellen “Jody” McNaughton (Michael), and James R. Bartholomew (Amy), former daughter-in-law Patricia Bartholomew, 8 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and step/great grandchildren.

Well done Jean, good and faithful servant. Praise be to God for the life of Jean Johanna Bartholomew.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the former Polk City Nursing Home staff, Granger Nursing and Rehab staff, and Hospice of the Midwest for their kind and loving care. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of the Midwest, Johnston, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, October 28th at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope Chapel, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation and a luncheon will follow the service. Jean will be laid to rest at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Oshkosh, WI.

The service will be live streamed at https://wdm.lutheranchurchofhope.org/specialevents/.