Deanna Ann Jaros

Deanna Jaros, a woman with deep faith and a healing touch passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at the age of 83. She faced cancer with endless toughness and grace.

Deanna was a gentle, selfless caregiver who always put others' needs first. A dedicated nurse, she spent the majority of her long career doing great work and sharing many laughs with beloved co-workers at Marshfield Clinic- Mosinee Center. Those relationships meant the world to her, and in a beautiful full circle, friendships endured retirement and some of those colleagues were her companions during her long illness.

Deanna's Catholic faith was always central to her life and was the source of her deep compassion for the underdog, the hurting and oppressed. She was a quiet but persistent advocate for the dignity of every person. Deanna spent years in the faith community of St. Paul Parish in Mosinee, and later Holy Spirit Parish in Stevens Point. During her last days, prayer brought her visible comfort.

Deanna was a gifted natural athlete, exceling in every sport she ever tried, especially softball, bowling, and later golf. She experienced great happiness golfing at Indianhead in Mosinee, where she was two-time Ladies' Champion. Kind and quiet as she was, she was also very competitive and was specifically determined to win a second championship so she could leave each of her grandsons a trophy.

Deanna was always there for Jack and Michael, and always a fun grandma -- happy to get on the floor to play with toys or to spend hours at the park. They also loved baking cookies together. There are pictures of them over the years, dusted with flour, smeared with frosting and all wearing their aprons. Into adulthood the boys continued to prioritize and hold dear time spent with her.

Deanna is survived by her daughter who will miss her dearly, Linda Jaros (Stephen Odden), grandsons Jack Odden, Michael (Allison) Odden. Siblings, Jim (Nancy) Staeck, Mike (Lou) Staeck, Pat (Tom) Koeller, Judy (John) Laehn , Roy Staeck and John (Jeannine) Staeck, many nieces and nephews, and her best companion to the end, Mimi.

Deanna was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Ida Staeck, brothers Steven Staeck and David Staeck and brother-in-law Craig Coble.

The family would like to thank the special family, friends and neighbors who provided Deanna with loving care, help and support during her illness. She had a great team! We are also most grateful to Dr. Adedayo Onitilo and the entire Marshfield Clinic Cancer Center staff in Stevens Point for giving exceptional care; Deanna was so fond of you all. Finally, thank you to the outstanding nurses at House of the Dove Hospice, Marshfield.

Memorial donations may be made in Deanna's name to Marshfield Clinic Research Institute for cancer research or to any charity that supports marginalized people and social justice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Deanna at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish - 2151 Stanley Street, Stevens Point. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until Mass begins. A parish Rosary will be led by dear friend, Bonnie Grubba prior to the visitation. Lunch will follow the Mass.