Dolores Jean Unke

Services for (Delores) Jean Unke, age 92, of Elysian, MN, will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont.  Burial will be following the service in Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the time of service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Lakeview Funeral Home.  Jean passed away peacefully December 29th, 2021, at Whispering Creek Nursing Home in Janesville, MN.  The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements. Funeral services will be held at a later date. 

Jean was born in Fairmont, MN on May 12th, 1929, the daughter of Harry and Bertha (Ulrich) Jorgensen.  Jean grew up on the family farm, attending elementary and secondary school in Fairmont.  She later enrolled at Mankato State University, graduating with her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1959. 

Jean taught elementary school for 19 years and later became the owner of two businesses, a boutique gift shop and the Wells Travel Inn.  She also managed several apartment complexes and was involved with her community and church, most recently, as a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, German Lake.

She met the love of her life, Wayne Unke. They were married on June 22nd, 1951, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont, and this marriage was steadfast for over 70 years. They raised their three sons in Wells, MN, where she was widely known for making the best chocolate chip cookies in the neighborhood. Jean loved her family time, relaxing at the lake, and traveling.  She visited over 50 different countries in her lifetime, staying with foreign friends all over the world.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Bertha Jorgensen.  Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Wayne; sons, Quinn, Garth (Deb), Troy (Kari); grandchildren, Kate (Ryan), Josh, Taylor, Adam and Ben; and great-grandson, and the sparkle of her eye, Everett.  Jean also leaves behind several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, as well as many nieces and nephews.  

The family wishes to thank staff at Whispering Creek Nursing Home and the Mayo Clinic Hospice team for their kind and loving care for Jean and the entire Unke family.