Jean M. Wallenfang

Jean Mary Wallenfang, 72, passed away on May 27, 2025, at Our House Senior Living in Janesville, Wisconsin. Jean was born on August 8, 1952, in New London, Wisconsin, the oldest child of the late Clyde and Marion (Flunker) Wallenfang.
Jean graduated from New London High School in 1970. Excelling in the musical arts, she was a member of the band and choir and held numerous roles in school musicals. After high school, Jean attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, graduating with a degree in education with an emphasis in drama. Music continued to be an integral part of her life; she sang for church services, weddings, and funerals. After college, Jean moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where she became a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC). Jean directed the Fidget Choir at First Congregational. For many years, Jean was involved with the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ. During those years, she met Judy Holcomb, who would become her lifelong best friend. Jean had many fond memories assisting Judy, the director of Moon Beach Camp at the time. Jean directed a singles camp, as well as camps for 3rd and 4th graders, for several years. It was at Moon Beach that she felt God's calling. During her summer as interim director at the UCC camp in western Pennsylvania, she discovered she could preach after filling in as minister for a small church. The confirmation of God's call came to fruition; a seminary vision began.
In 1991, with the support of the Green Bay UCC, Jean attended the United Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, earning her Master of Divinity degree in 1994. Jean answered the call to become the minister for two churches in Granada and Fairmont, Minnesota. Later, Jean accepted a call to serve the United Church of Christ (UCC) of Williams Bay, Wisconsin. With no church parsonage, Jean purchased a home in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. She was very proud of her 1950 brick house, making changes that made it her "piece of heaven on Earth." Jean, along with her sister Pam, spent many hours in the backyard creating a peaceful patio with a view. This view genuinely inspired the sermons she brought to her parishioners.
Over the years, Jean and her dearest friend, Judy, traveled throughout the United States, from Maine to California. The yearly tradition of watching the Rose Bowl Parade on TV evolved into the experience of watching the beautiful parade in person. One of Jean's deepest connections was with nature; she traveled to see many of the National Parks with Judy. These initial travels led to several trips to Europe, including a month-long trip driving around England and Scotland, where Judy's relatives had lived centuries ago. They enjoyed attending worship at several churches from Plymouth to York. A highlight for them was spending several days on the island of Iona. Additionally, they enjoyed a trip to Greece with friends from the Elk River United Church of Christ, Minnesota.
After retiring from the Williams Bay church in August 2018, Judy and Jean ventured to Alaska to celebrate retirement. It was during this trip, with Judy's attentive eye, that she noticed the onset of Jean's dementia. After their return came the diagnosis of Waldenström Macroglobulinemia. For the last five years, Jean struggled with this degrading disease and the rapid development of dementia. Jean lived the best life possible at Our House Senior Living in Janesville, Wisconsin, with the caring love of Pam and Judy, as well as the wonderful assisted living care team. She entered heaven listening to "I Am Here, Lord" with Pam by her side.
Jean is survived by her sisters, Pamela Wallenfang of Madison, Wisconsin, and Karen (Larry) Laedtke of New London, Wisconsin; her adored nephews and their families: Kyle (Amanda) Laedtke and their daughters Paige and Claire of Winneconne, Wisconsin; Neal (Lyra) Laedtke, and their daughter Lena and son Lane of Carlisle, Iowa; and special friends Judy Holcomb, and her sons and their families.
In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her nephew, Dale W.C. Laedtke. Jean was also preceded in death by the beloved "Susie," Judy's golden retriever, who was a part of many favorite memories.
The Memorial Service for Rev. Jean Wallenfang will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Zion United Church of Christ in Dale, Wisconsin. A social hour with Jean's favorite treat, ice cream, will follow the service. Burial at Dale Union Cemetery will follow the social hour.
Memorials
In remembrance of Jean, a memorial fund will be established for Moon Beach Camp, St. Germain, Wisconsin.