Fyrn M. Jilot

Fyrn M. Jilot, 99, of Sturgeon Bay was united with the Lord on December 25. 2025 while surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 2, 1926 to Albert and Nervin Guelette. On February 3, 1944 she was united in marriage to James Jilot at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Misiere.

Fyrn was known for her work ethic, her creative talents, and her ability to fix things. She began her early married life helping on her parents' farm. Several years later, Fyrn and Jim purchased a grocery store in Rosiere which they operated for 16 years. Later, she held numerous jobs in manufacturing, cherry processing, and co-owning an upholstery business. In 1969 Jim and Fyrn purchased a cherry and apple orchard in Sturgeon Bay and eventually raised strawberries. They built their home there where Mom lived right up to the end. While living in Sturgeon Bay, Fyrn also found time to do waitressing at Andre's Restaurant for many years where she made many friends.

Fyrn's hobbies included gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and making rosaries. Over the years she estimated that she made over 1,500 rosaries which she donated to the Missions, local churches, the Chapel, and other charities. As recently as this past fall she could be found sitting at her dining room table, drilling Job's tears beads with her Dremel drill press and making her goal of one rosary a day. When it came to repairing or altering anything made of fabric, Fyrn could usually figure out a way to make it look like new again. Fyrn was also known for her meticulously kept home, her wonderful cooking and most importantly, her deep passion for her family. Her homemade butterscotch pies and homemade bread were always a big hit with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Fyrn's faith meant everything to her. Fyrn and Jim were members of Corpus Christi Catholic Church for over 56 years. They took great pride and comfort in participating in Sunday and Holy Day Eucharistic celebrations as long as they could. When Fyrn could no longer be present at church physically, she was sure to watch the weekly service broadcast on television. When she wasn't making a rosary, she was praying one. If someone was ill or going through a tough time, she was sure to light a votive candle and pray for them until she was certain that all was well. She typically would pray several rosaries a day, many times with a family member.

Fyrn is survived by her three children, John (Linda) Jilot of Allouez, Barbara Jilot of Fond du Lac, and Jerry (Diane) Jilot of DePere. She is further survived by eight grandchildren, Todd Jilot, Troy (Sheila) Jilot, Jeff (Trish) Jilot, Chris (Nicole) Slavik, Jeremy (Chrissy) Slavik, Mardee (Jeff) Blattner, Brett Jilot and Tessa (Jeremy Jenkins) Jilot. She is also survived by nine great grandchildren and her sister, Sally Wagner, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Fyrn was preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years, James, her parents, sisters Grayce Baudhuin, Lucille Vandertie, and Joanne Guelette (infant); brother, Gary Guelette; brothers-in-law Lawrence Baudhuin, Norman Vandertie, Bill Wagner, and sister-in-law Karen Guelette; also, great granddaughter Serena Jilot and niece Jami DeClark. Fyrn was also preceded in death by her mother-in-law and father-in-law Mary and Frank Jilot, sisters-in law, Mary Alice Oswell, Ann Jilot, Marge Jilot, Lucy Jilot, Alice Jilot and brothers-in-law, Jerry Oswell, Richard Jilot, Lloyd Jilot, Frank Jilot Jr., and Norman Jilot.

Family and friends may visit Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay on Thursday, January 8th from 4:00 to 6:30 PM, a prayer service is scheduled for 6:30 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Friday, January 9th at 11:00 AM at Corpus Christi Church in Sturgeon Bay. Donations may be made in memory of Fyrn to Paul's Pantry, 1513 Leo Frigo Way, Green Bay, WI 54302 (paulspantry.org), Sunshine Resources of Door County, 55 W. Yew St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (sunshineresources.org), or Unity Hospice, 2366 Oak Ridge Circle, DePere, WI 54115 (unityhospice.org).

Our family would like to thank the staff at Unity Hospice for their compassionate care of Mom during her final days. Also, we are extremely grateful to all of the neighbors, family, friends, Meals on Wheels, and clergy whose frequent phone calls, flowers and visits were so meaningful to her. She often spoke about how those visits helped to keep her going and provided extra meaning to her days. The list is much too long to mention, but you know who you are and please know that you were so very meaningful to Mom and we will forever remember your kindness.