Jeanette Ann Colburn

Jeanette Ann Colburn, a cherished member of her community and beloved matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, in Wilson, Wisconsin. Born on February 10, 1929, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jeanette's life was marked by resilience, love, and dedication.

She spent her formative years on the east side of St. Paul. After completing high school, Jeanette married Fredrick Colburn. Together, they began their journey as a young family living in a cozy upstairs house apartment on the lower west side of St. Paul. It was during these early years that they welcomed their daughter, Sandy Jo, into the world.

Seeking a life surrounded by nature, Jeanette and her family moved to a beautiful 10-acre property in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. There, they built a home and established roots for several years before relocating to West St. Paul. In West St. Paul, Jeanette and Fredrick remodeled an older home where they lived from around 1958 to 1973, creating a warm and inviting environment filled with memories and milestones. Subsequently, Jeanette and Fred moved to Wilson, Wisconsin, where they operated the Poplar Inn bar. They loved meeting close friends for a beer or a fun trip to the casino.

Throughout her lifetime, Jeanette undertook a variety of roles including working in a factory, attending key punch school which lead to a job at the Minnesota State office building, and later as a grocery checkout clerk. Jeanette liked to sew, creating curtains, pillows, comforters, lingerie, and even a wedding dress for her daughter! She also was a skilled jewelry maker, often seen wearing her headlamp magnifier at the kitchen table, putting a piece together for friends and family.

Jeanette was not only a dedicated worker and devoted wife but also a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. She proudly embraced her role as grandma to Nikki (Eric) Gotto (born 1974), Kelly (Joe) Steffens (born 1976), and Shane (Nichole) (born 1982). Her family grew further with the arrival of great-grandchildren from Nikki - Zach (born 1994), Karli (born 2000), and Sabrina (born 2005); and great-grandchild from Kelly - Kaia (born 2023), and she was blessed to see her great-great-grandchild Keith (born 2024), who brought immense joy to her later years. She will be greatly missed by many, including her nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

Jeanette is preceded in death by her dear husband, Fredrick; much loved grandson, Rodney; parents, Maeland & Marie; and siblings, Maeland, Dorothy (Bob), Don (Fran) & Marilee. Their memory remains forever etched in the hearts of those who knew her.

A Memorial Gathering to honor and celebrate Jeanette's life will be held from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM on April 10, 2026, at the O'Connell Funeral Home Baldwin Chapel located at 1010 Newton Street, Baldwin, Wisconsin. Family, friends, and all who were touched by Jeanette's kindness and strength are warmly invited to attend and share in remembrance.

Jeanette Ann Colburn's legacy of love, perseverance, and family devotion endures through the generations she so dearly cherished. Her gentle spirit and unwavering commitment to those around her will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.