Rojean "Jean" A. De Witt

Rojean “Jean” Ann De Witt, 86, of Combined Locks, passed away peacefully at Touchmark Community, on February 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Jean was born on January 7, 1939, in New London, WI, daughter of the late Harold and Martha (Ponzer) Reinert. Jean was baptized in the comfort of her home with Mrs. Irvin Paul and Reinhardt Ponzer as her sponsors. On March 29, 1953, she was confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Sugar Bush.  Jean’s confirmation verse was Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Anton “Pete” De Witt; her brother, Harlow Reinert; and her great-grandson, Wesley. Additionally, she was preceded by her in-laws, Anton and Minnie (De Groot) De Witt; four sisters-in-laws: Carol De Witt, Rose Huss, Mary Brown, and Theresa Halverson; two brothers-in-law: Bob De Witt, Frank De Witt, along with other aunts, uncles and cousins.

At the age of 18, Jean moved to Appleton, where she began her career at Carlson’s Restaurant located at the intersection of Locust St and Wisconsin Ave. On November 24, 1962, she married the late Anton “Pete” De Witt and was married for 53 years. Jean was a dedicated member of Christ the King Church for over 30 years.

While raising her children, Jean was the primary homemaker, also taking on various cleaning jobs in the evenings. Her passion for service flourished when she found fulfillment as a waitress, first at Saries, (now Dick & Jones), The Heiting Place and the Darboy Club, where she formed lasting friendships with patrons and coworkers alike.

Jean had a variety of interests, including reading, cooking, planting flowers and taking long walks; however, her greatest joy came from being surrounded by her family. Her warmth, humor, and spunk will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She lived a life of unwavering kindness and generosity and was known for her warm hospitality; no one ever left her home without something delicious to eat, often accompanied by a bag of your favorite cookies, tucked away in the freezer, made especially for you. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to her children and grandchildren, always keeping them close to her heart. In her final days, even when she was semi-conscious, her love shone through as she would ask about the grandchildren, inquiring playfully if they had been naughty, and breaking into a warm smile that reflected her enduring spirit and joy in their lives.

Jean is survived by her children: Mark (Kay) Beresford, Kim (Robert) Sjoquist, Kevin (Wendy Van Der Geest)  De Witt, Darin (Michele) De Witt and stepson Paul De Witt. She is also survived by her 11 cherished grandchildren: Sara (Derek) Van Der Horst, Robin (Tom) Ashman, Jeff (Kaitlin) Beresford, Ben (Paige) Sjoquist, Jennifer (special friend, James) Sjoquist, Joshua (Meghan) De Witt, Aaron De Witt, Holly (Elliot) Arft, Connor De Witt and Ember De Witt; step-grandchild Leah (Luke) Peerenboom; and 17 great-grandchildren: Owen (Maggie), Taylor (Grayson), Lucas, Chase, Jackson, Rayna, Morty, Louis, Alexis, Ariana, Alaina, Amelia, Aurora, McCoy, Amari, Zilla, and Sydney.

Jean is further survived by two brothers-in-law, Bill De Witt and Ken Huss, and two sisters-in-law, DorthyDe Witt, Ellen Reinert and former daughter in-law, Wendy De Witt. 

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Touchmark Retirement Community and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and Paster Nate Gauerke, Christ the King Church.

From your children, Mom, you will be forever loved and missed. Thank you for your endless love, guidance, unwavering support and yummy cookies.

A message to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, “There isn’t a future in the past, and you can’t change yesterday, but you can do something about tomorrow.” Additionally, she leaves you with words of Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

A private memorial will be held at a later date.