Mary Jean Abel

Mary Jean Abel, age 84, of Remer, MN, passed away with family by her side on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital, Grand Rapids, MN.

Jean was born to John and Alice Gilmer in Barett, MN in 1941. She grew up in the Remer area. After high school, she set out to travel the United States. Jean was united in marriage to George Abel on April 5, 1962, and after traveling around, the pair returned to Remer in 1994.

Jean was friendly and outgoing and never knew a stranger. It was not uncommon for her to strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere she was at. Jean loved to waitress and her kitty, Ashely. She enjoyed crafting of all kinds, quilting, painting candles, and painting pictures. Jean was never afraid of an idea to create a new project and make up her little poems or ditties she would come up with. One of her greatest was getting American Flags for making donations to different organizations; she has quite the collection. Jean loved spending time with Georgina, whether it was fishing off the dock, dancing around, and baking. Family was important to her; she was always playing with her great and her great-great nieces and nephews.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings, Jackie, Pat, and Billy. She is survived by her daughter, Georgina; nephews, Tom (Luana) Fanth; John (Debbie) Landrith; nieces, Shelly Fanth (Mark Tietjen), Robin (Tim) Ostrander, and Alice Buschmann.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at St. Luke's Evangelical Church, Grand Rapids, MN, beginning at 11:00 AM and lasting until the 12:00 PM memorial service. Burial will be at Fairview cemetery in Remer.