Obituary of P. Jean Graves

P. Jean Graves, 81, of Spencer, WI passed away peacefully in the early hours of Jan. 10, 2016 at the House of the Dove, Marshfield, WI. Visitation will be held 4 – 8 p.m. at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer on Fri., Jan. 15, 2016 and again on Sat. 10 – 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Spencer, WI, where her funeral service will also be held at 11 a.m. Burial will follow immediately after the service at West Spencer Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Eric Apsey, Elliot Graves, Will Graves, Neil Plummer, Nick Graves, Timothy Kraus, Jacob Weaver and Landen Moore. Jean is survived by her children, April Weaver of Spencer, Spencer (Mary) Graves of Spencer, Jackie Graves of Marshfield, Greg (Val) Graves of Crystal, MN, Jeff (Julie) Ģraves of Hewitt and Sarah (Patrick) Kraus of Pittsville; grandchildren, Michelle Apsey, Elliot Graves, Erica McCall, Brittany Plummer, Nick Graves, Will Graves, Lauren Graves and Timothy Kraus; brothers, Jerome (Donna) Heckel and Harry (Karen) Heckel. She has also been blessed with 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Spencer, sister, Joan Reigel and her parents. Jean was born Mar. 24, 1934 in Marshfield, WI to Orena (Petersen) and John Heckel. She graduated from Columbus High School, Marshfield. She married Spencer DuWayne Graves on Dec. 28, 1954, at Our Lady Of Peace Rectory in Marshfield. They were married 47 years until Spencer passed away on June 2, 2002. Jean’s favorite memories of her youth were times spent on her family farm and to this day her brother, Harry and his wife still live there. The importance of family, integrity and charity were practiced and instilled in the Heckel household and Jean continued to live by those values throughout her life. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, Spencer Women’s Club and Eastern Star. She was also a Girl Scout Leader, poll worker for the Village of Spencer and served on the Board of Directors of Lucille Tack Center for the Arts. What she treasured the most was time spent with friends and family. She looked forward to her Friday night outings with her friends, a different restaurant every week. As far as family, there were not many events she missed. No matter the age she loved all the children in her life and gave generously of her time and love. So much so, Jean and Spence opened their home and were foster parents to two children. Some of her hobbies included reading, crocheting, puzzles, shopping, watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers, she was also an excellent cook and baker. Jean had expressed her desire for memorial donations be made to: Lucille Tack Center for the Arts, 300 N. School St., P.O. Box 337, Spencer, WI 54479. The Family wishes to thank the thoughtful, caring and tireless Staff at the House of the Dove. Condolences may be expressed atwww.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.