Jean Ruth Veltman

Jean Ruth (nee: Fergus) Veltman, 71, passed away on October 23, 2024 at Ascension All Saints Hospital. Jean was born on November 20, 1952 to James and Ruth (nee: Petoskey) Fergus. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, James Veltman, on August 9, 1975 at Holy Communion Lutheran Church. After graduating from J. I. Case High School, Jean went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, and later her master’s degree in special education from Lewis University. She worked for Racine Unified School District for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2014. Jean’s lifelong commitment to her students will be felt for generations to come. Whether she was mentoring past students, dropping turkeys off on Thanksgiving, or presents on Christmas, Jean made the world a better place. Jean had many passions in life, but family was always number one. She loved spending time with her grandkids and traveling around the world with her husband and children. In August of 2018, they took an unforgettable trip to Scotland, highlighted by visits with family in the Orkney Islands, stays in historic castles, and sightings of puffins. Jean was a lifelong member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the Quilters Guild, S&B Heritage Heights, AAUW, and the red lip ladies. In her free time, Jean enjoyed quilting, seeing her children in Louisville, and playing pickleball. Jean will be profoundly missed by her husband, James Veltman; children, Megan (Tyler) Cash and Matt (Brett Starbuck) Veltman; grandchildren, Ace and Avery; sister, Joan Fergus; brothers, Jim (Sue) Fergus and John Fergus; brother-in-law, Jerry (Janet) Veltman; and numerous other family members and dear friends. She goes on to be reunited with her parents, James and Ruth Fergus; her brother-in-law, John Veltman; and her sister-in-law, Donna Veltman. A memorial service for Jean will be held at Holy Communion Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A visitation will also be held the evening before, on Friday, November 8, at Sturino Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Communion Lutheran Church’s food bank and Mayo Clinic. Jean’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Ascension All Saints ICU doctors, nurses, and staff.

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Jean Ruth Veltman

November 20, 1952 - October 23, 2024