Jean M. (Schwalenberg) Lamers

Jean M. (Schwalenberg) Lamers, 77, of Appleton, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 22, 2025, after several years of heart-related issues.

Jean was born on February 9, 1948, along with her twin sister, Joyce, (who died in 1965) to Raymond and Luanna (Welhouse) Schwalenberg. Jean grew up in Kaukauna, graduating from Kaukauna High School in 1966. Jean married John (Jack) E. Lamers on October 12, 1973, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Kaukauna, after meeting a year earlier. Jean’s dad, Ray, built their ranch home in the country where they raised their three sons. Jean and John celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2023, just 6 days prior to John’s passing.

Jean had a 24-year career at Thilmany Pulp & Paper (now Ahlstrom). It was there that she and John first noticed one another; a chance encounter months later sparked a romance, and as they say, the rest was history. She was proud of her professional growth at Thilmany, moving from her initial role as Receptionist to Salaried Administrator before retiring in 2003. However, her favorite 'job' was the nine-year hiatus she took to be home with her three young sons. Jean also shared her energy and social spirit within the community through part-time work at Kaukauna Credit Union (now Unison) and as a sales representative for Avon, Tupperware, and Christmas Around the World.

Jean loved God, cherished her beautiful family, and always expressed how blessed she was throughout her life. She was privileged to know her maternal great-grandmother, Cornelia Mader, and both sets of grandparents: Herman and Olga Schwalenberg, with whom she spent quality time in her younger years, and Henry and Anna Welhouse, who lived long lives and shared many memories with her. That family bond continued with her husband John, their three wonderful sons, three precious daughters-in-law and four beautiful grandchildren. She dearly loved her seven nieces and nephews, including two who became special Goddaughters. Whether with her treasured longtime friends or the many new ones she made along the way, Jean was grateful for a life surrounded by people who loved each other.

While raising their family, Jean and John enjoyed camping and tenting in various state and county parks. They spent 22 years of weekends and vacations at their waterfront property in Townsend in a mobile home affectionately called 'The Cottage.' Following their retirement in 2003, Jean and John spent quality time with their first two grandchildren, Christopher and Katie, in the Fox Valley. They moved to Eagle River in 2007, where they spent 12 wonderful years and enjoyed being with their two youngest grandchildren, Elise and Maelle. Over their 20 years of retirement, they were blessed with new friends and many road trips to see new sights and old friends. In 2019, they moved back to the Fox Valley into an apartment.  While it was a big change, the freedom from home ownership was a welcomed rest.

Jean’s lifelong passion for photography began at a young age, when she won her very first camera in a contest. From that moment on, she was rarely seen without some sort of camera in hand. Friends and family can certainly attest that she never missed an opportunity to capture a special moment, leaving behind a beautiful visual history of the lives she touched.

Jean especially liked doing crafts and was a creative spirit. In years past, she enjoyed quilting and card making, and she spent countless hours documenting the lives of her family through dozens of scrapbooks - many for her two youngest granddaughters, as well as many for all her family and even some specific to their family reunions. More recently, she discovered the art of painting Kindness Rocks - calling herself a "late bloomer" in that regard - and was pleased to share them with many people. She found great purpose in refurbishing various religious statues.

Jean was a truly grateful person who always counted her blessings and found thankfulness in life’s simple joys. She immersed herself in the joy of local parades, decades of Fourth of July fireworks, and long "Sunday drives." Above all, Jean took joy in giving other people joy; she was happiest when she made others happy. With her sunny and upbeat personality, Jean treasured the days when the sunshine broke through the clouds, but truly, she was that sunshine to many people throughout her life.

Survivors include Jean’s three sons and four grandchildren: Scott (Susie) Lamers and their two children, Christopher and Katie (fiancé Michael Pollock); Jamon (Patience) Lamers and their two children, Elise and Maelle; and Eric (Karen) Lamers.  She is further survived by her brother: Gary (Janet) Schwalenberg; sisters: Linda (Warren) Engel, Karen (James) Van Drasek, and Sue (Bruce) Vanderloop; Godchildren: Lori Schwalenberg (niece), Aaron Jakl (friend), Tom Diestler (great nephew), and Lindsey (Vanderloop) Jene (niece); five nieces: Lori, Sheri & Jennifer Schwalenberg; Lindsey (Patrick) Jene; and Mary (Troy) Schucknecht (their son Tom Diestler); three nephews: Dan Schwalenberg (daughter Alexis), Brett and Garret (special friend, Kayla) Van Drasek, and many close cousins and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband John in October of 2023, her parents, her twin sister Joyce, John’s parents Jake and Marie (Weyenberg) Lamers, as well as John’s only sibling, Elizabeth (Betty) and her husband Otto Diestler.   

he Funeral Mass for Jean will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek St., Little Chute, Wisconsin, with Fr. Ron Belitz officiating and Fr. Phil Schoofs concelebrating. A time of visitation be held from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at church. Inurnment will be at St. John Nepomucene Cemetery in Little Chute.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Community. If you prefer, please feel free to donate to your favorite charity in Jean's memory.

Jean wished to thank Scott and Susie Lamers for the devoted care and comfort they provided in their home during her final month. She also shared her love for the friends and family who filled her life with joy and supported her especially during these difficult months - your kindness meant the world to her. The family appreciates the thoughtful care shown by the team at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital during her stays this year. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to Compassus Hospice, especially Nurse Linda and Aide Sienna, for the gentle care they provided.

My journey’s just begun

Ellen Brenneman

Just think of me as resting from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.

Think how I must be wishing that you could know today
how nothing but your sadness can really go away.

And think of me as living in the hearts of those I touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost and I was loved so much.