Jean Watkoski, age 80, passed away February 25, 2023 while surrounded by family at her Orchard Creek residence in Leelanau County, after a long battle with Parkinson's.
Jean was born an identical twin on May 9, 1942. Jean and her sister Jeri were born the youngest children to Harold and Elizabeth Houghton at Munson Hospital.
Jean attended Traverse City Public Schools and graduated from Traverse City Central in 1960.
On November 21, 1964 she married William "Bill" Watkoski at Immaculate Conception Church in Traverse City, MI.
Jean was a stay-at-home mom until the children started school. She then worked as a secretary for a law firm, bankruptcy clinic of Northern Michigan and the RC&D Council. It was in the early 80's that she found her love for politics, the Republican party and assisting some local politicians with their campaigns.
Jean made the decision to run for an elected position (Elmwood Township Trustee) in 1984 and was re-elected to that position until 1996. Politics became her love for the county and the people who lived in it, and it was then she decided to run for Leelanau County Commissioner. During her time as Commissioner, she served on several committees that included Cherry Capital Airport, BATA, Farmland Preservation, and was instrumental in getting the Governmental Center and jail completed. Jean was also the first woman to serve as Chairman of Leelanau County. She represented Leelanau County and although she favored a particular party affiliation, her nonpartisan reputation allowed her to lead Leelanau County with integrity and grace. When her health started to decline, she made the decision to resign in 2015.
When Jean was not in Leland for meetings, she loved to watch her grandchildren at school activities or sporting events. Jean moved into Orchard Creek in 2020 and made friends with many of the residents and staff. Although her health was declining, she never lost her sense of humor, love for popcorn, or passion to listen to St. Francis football on her radio.
Jean is survived by her twin sister, Jeri Fouch, her three children Pam (Dan) Marsh, Bill (Lana) Watkoski and Mike "Mick" Watkoski all of Traverse City, Michigan. She is survived by 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Thomas (Beckman) Apsey and their children Tess and Hayes. Eric (Ashley) Apsey and their daughter Sutton. Jordan Apsey, Paul Watkoski, Robert Watkoski and Lindsay Watkoski. Jean is also survived by a brother-in-law Jerry Fouch and three sister-in-laws along with their spouses Sandy (Jerry) VanHuystee, Pat (Don) Witkowski and Cathy (Roger "Glen") Stroop and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is preceded by her husband Bill (2002), her parents Harold and Elizabeth, and in-laws, Paul and Lois Watkoski, sisters Jessie Fouch, Nancy (Glen) Coleman and brother Gary (Beatrice) Houghton and brother-in-law John Fouch.
A visitation will be Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Sixth Street and the funeral service will be Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Bayview Wesleyan Church on Bay Street in Traverse City at 11 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the spring at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.
The family is so grateful for the love, care and compassion shared by the staff at Orchard Creek and Hospice of Michigan.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Michigan (10850 E Traverse Hwy #3325, Traverse City, MI 49684) or Horse North Rescue (PO Box 7143, Traverse City, MI 49696).