Jane (Wunsch) Isaacsen

TRAVERSE CITY — Jane Stevenson (Wunsch) Isaacsen passed on from her joy-filled life on June 15. She died peacefully in her lovely apartment in the Inverness, surrounded by family and friends who loved her. Jane was born June 13, 1918, in Detroit, the daughter of Ralph and Martha (Kershaw) Stevenson. She grew up in Detroit, later attending Abbott Academy in Andover, Mass., and the National College of Education in Evanston, Ill. In 1939 she married Dr. Richard Wunsch, an internist, and in 1988 she married Ernest Isaacsen, a businessman. Jane was active as a volunteer in both Grosse Pointe, where she lived until 1964, and in Traverse City for her remaining years. Her primary area of interest was youth, specializing in work with those who were emotionally, mentally or physically challenged. She worked for the Friend of the Court in Traverse City, for the School for Exceptional Children in Grosse Pointe and through the Junior League of Grosse Pointe on many projects, including as a tutor in inner city Detroit. In addition, she volunteered for many years at Children's Hospital and St. John's hospital, both in Detroit, and served on the board of directors of the Children's Aid Society in Traverse City. After her children were raised, Jane worked as a sorority house director at the University of Michigan and Florida State University in Tallahassee. Throughout her life and most particularly in this work, she befriended young people, listening to their struggles, supporting their dreams and sharing the excitement and pleasure in their accomplishments. Jane loved being with people, family, friends and anyone who wanted to share with her. She was courageous and outspoken, had a great sense of humor and had been described as having "spunk" and "telling it like it is." She truly enjoyed hearing about people's adventures, often exclaiming, "Oh, what fun." Her compassion for others and her sense of community responsibility were communicated by her actions throughout her life. She transported people to doctors' appointments and did errands for and checked on elderly or ill neighbors and friends. Most of all Jane loved holding a baby and sharing with children. She truly came alive in their presence. To her, every minute was a tender, teachable moment and she radiated with this opportunity. She loved music and was a beautiful ballroom dancer. Jane enjoyed learning and was constantly reading and discussing current issues. Although she did not receive a degree, she participated in many courses at both Wayne State University and Northwestern Michigan Community College.Her interest in teaching and education was reflected in her children. Three are teachers, one a physician and the other a bookstore owner. She was pleased that her children understood the importance of using their talents, knowledge and skills to benefit others.Jane is survived by her children, Richard (Donna) Wunsch, of Jackson, Anne (Gary) Wakenhut, of Lakeview, Dr. James (Mary) Wunsch, of Omaha, Neb., John (Laura Wigfield) Wunsch, of Traverse City, and Dr. Martha (Kent) Wunsch-Nakamoto, of Blacksburg, Va.; her godchild, Elizabeth (Salty Meachum) Most; numerous wonderful nieces and nephews; many important friends; her very special friend, companion and caregiver of many years, Katie Koeppen; and the many devoted and loving caregivers and friends at The Inverness. She was also blessed with 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and her husbands.Visitation is being held at the First Congregational Church in Traverse City at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, with the service at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Dr. Gary Hogue will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Child and Family Services of Northern Michigan, the Women's Resource Center or a charity of one's choice. An online guestbook for Jane is available at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Jane (Wunsch) Isaacsen

June 15, 2011