Jean Plante of Red Lake Falls, MN passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at her home in Red Lake Falls, MN.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, January 3, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Bob Schreiner officiating and Deacon John Bruggeman. Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery near Red Lake Falls, MN.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, 5 – 7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM and a Rosary by the Catholic Daughters at Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls, MN. Also one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
Jean Marie Gauthier was born April 14, 1939, in Thief River Falls, MN the daughter of Willmer and Marie (Schmidt) Gauthier. She was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith. She grew up in River Township in Red Lake County, MN. Jean attended school in Red Lake Falls, MN and graduated from Lafayette High School with the class of 1958. As a teenager she worked at the bakery in Red Lake Falls.
On August 22, 1959 Jean was united in marriage to Sherman Plante at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls. The couple made their home in Crookston, MN for a short time before settling in Red Lake Falls. They lived in the same house for almost 60 years where they raised their four children – John, Laurie, Danny and Stacy.
Jean was a homemaker who was always available to help her family, friends and neighbors in any way possible. She cleaned houses for many families in Red Lake Falls over the years. Together with Sherman she also cleaned several businesses in Red Lake Falls including the highway department, bank, clinic and funeral home.
She was an excellent baker and cook. Her family enjoyed everything she made but especially loved her chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin pie, dressing, angel food birthday cakes, barbecue, baked beans and her homemade pickles. Jean would whip up a meal anytime she had company and made sure everyone was always fed.
Jean was a beautiful person inside and out. Her hair was always perfect, her nails were always painted and she always had her lipstick on or nearby. She always had her next hair appointment scheduled. Jean enjoyed playing cards and was often the winner when the game was done. She liked to have a pop in a pretty glass and always had the best snacks to share. The way she said potato will never be duplicated. Jean left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Family was important to Jean. She enjoyed any opportunity to spend time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As Sherman’s health declined over his last years, she lovingly cared for him which allowed him to stay in the home they shared together right up until his passing.
She kept in contact with family and friends by phone, Facebook or by sending a handwritten note, card or thank you in her beautiful cursive. When family would come to town for a visit, they always knew they could stay with Jean and Sherman and usually did. Jean’s house was always spotless and she was still washing her floors by hand.
Jean was an active member of Royal Neighbors where she made many friendships and always enjoyed their gatherings. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters, served as an election judge in Red Lake Falls and was active in Girls Scouts when her girls were young.
Survivors include her children John (Karen) Plante of Buxton, ND, Laurie (Warren) Malwitz of Red Lake Falls, MN, Danny (Jennifer) Plante of Red Lake Falls, MN and Stacy (Dana) Rausch of Sioux Falls, SD. Grandchildren Ryan (Liz) Hjelmstad and children Ayden, Aaliyah, Tate & Izzy, Kolt (Abby) Hjelmstad and children Ava, Levi & Evelyn, Chris (Nikki) Plante and daughters Jemma & Stella, Josh (Katie) Plante and daughter Zoeii, Jessica (Alex) Hinrichs and children Mabel, Royce & Hazel, Erinn (James) Pervis and daughters Ingrid & Cordelia, Randy Malwitz, Rachelle (Cole) Larson and children Bryson, Piper, Raife & Memphis, Jacob Riendeau, Jordan Riendeau, Tyler (Erin) Plante and children Reed & Randi, Branden (Riley) Plante, Allison (Cody) Plante and daughters Mickenzie & Hailey, Nick (Clarissa) Plante and children Autumn, Asher & Adalyn, Morgan Plante, Issabella Plante, Tiana Rausch and Ethan Rausch. Also, longtime friends Louis and Dionne Ulrich, Red Lake Falls, MN and several cousins.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Sherman, her parents and brother Willmer Gauthier Jr.
Condolences may be sent at johnsonfuneralservice.com
