Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
May 1, 1936 – Aug 13, 2025
Jeanette Zubek Rodgerson, age 89, died Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
Jan was born in 1936 to John and Helen Zubek in Flint. She attended Dye High School, and went on to marry Robert Rodgerson in 1954, they had four children.
Jan was much more than a homemaker, she began cake decorating when the children were in school. To support her interest, her husband Bob built a separate kitchen in the basement where she spent a great deal of time decorating wedding, birthday, and other special event cakes for many years. Jan won awards, traveled, taught (particularly the Lambeth method), and judged cake decorating competitions, while making a special life-long friend, Betty Overman.
Jan stepped away from cake decorating for good when her husband Bob retired, to enjoy taking the camper on more cross country trips. They loved traveling the U.S., especially their trip to Alaska, as well as a guided fishing trip in Canada. In later years, they would travel south with Zoe (their beloved dog), set up the camper, and relax. They looked back on these trips with wonderful memories, stories, and great fondness.
During their travel adventures, Jan decided to pick up a more portable creative hobby: applique quilting. Her quilts were stunning and her choice of fabric colors were beautiful. She enjoyed that hobby with like-minded stitching friends until her passing.
Jan will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Jan was preceded in death by her husband and great love of her life, Bob. Surviving are children: Diane (David) Guzman of Portland, Oregon, David (Kim) of Linden, and Tracey of Swartz Creek, 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
She was also was preceded in death by her parents and son, Douglas.
Read MoreI'm so sorry for your loss of your Mother. I was a neighbor growing up. She was such a beautiful lady and so very talented. Her creations were fabulous. The cakes she made were gorgeous. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.
Gloria Hoag
August 23, 2025 | Flint, MI | Neighbor
I am so sorry to see your mother passed away Tracy. I drove by the home last week and remembered walking into that house many of times. Your parents always so sweet and your mom always making beautiful cakes and the beautiful green house your dad had created. I am sure you are reflecting on all the memories you have with your mom and dad and knowing they are together again will give you peace. Sending my deepest sympathy for you and your sister and brother.
Tonya Cocke
August 18, 2025 | Flint, MI | Classmate
The world has lost a wonderful person.She will be greatly missed especially by the members of our little group of sit and stitchers,We met weekly sir more than 15 years.Jan attended faithfully and always had beautiful creations to inspire the rest of us.She really enjoyed getting together every week and was always the first one to arrive.We were very grateful Tracy brought her the last couple years.It was a pleasure to get to know Tracy as well.Tracy was very good to her.Now Jan is with the...
Sherry Brown
August 17, 2025 | Fenton, MI | Friend
So sorry for your loss . Losing a parent is very hard. She was a wonderful woman. She was very blind and had a nice smile. She was a great mom and grandma. She will be dearly missed.
Tina Walsh
August 16, 2025 | Flint | Friend
I feel very fortunate to have known this sweet lady for over 30 years. She was a wonderful mother-in-law to my sister, Kim. She always went out of her way to speak and have conversations with me when we were together at family functions. I got to admire some of her beautiful cake creations which were absolutely gorgeous. I know she is leaving a family she loved and was very proud of. Just knowing she is with her husband again takes some of the hurt away! Rest in peace, Jeanette. You will be...
Brenda Gatica
August 16, 2025 | Swartz Creekk, MI | Friend
