Jean M. Starke passed away on February 16, 2011 at Rosetta Assisted Living Facility in Helena of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. She was 77 years old.
Jean was born to Homer and Bessie Beckerleg in Barnes County, North Dakota on July 17, 1933, the second of two children. She attended school there, graduating from St. Catherine’s High School in 1951. From there she went to nursing school at NDSU Fargo and majored in nursing. She passed her state exams with a 99 percent.
Allan H. Starke and Jean were married in Valley City, North Dakota on June 18, 1955. They were blessed with four of their children before setting out for Glascow, Montana. A year later they moved to Helena where their fifth child was born.
Jean’s nursing career in Helena began at St. John’s Hospital until its closing. Later she worked for Head Start and Helena Nursing Home, caring for young and old alike.
She enjoyed flying trips with Allan to Orcas Island, WA, Oshkosh, WI, and Meadow Creek Campground in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. Jean enjoyed visiting her family, from San Diego to Washington D.C., Seattle to New York.
Her hobbies included cross country skiing, eating tomatoes from her vegetable garden, volunteering at Rocky Mountain Care Center, and sewing. She was an expert seamstress, sewing most of her own and her children’s clothes. Wedding dresses and suits for her sons were all made beautiful by her hand. There was always room for at Jean’s table for one or two more, whether it was her kid’s friends from college or her husband’s friends from Jester’s Bar. She was an awesome cook, most notably for her potato salad and Thanksgiving stuffing.
Jean was a faithful member of the Cathedral of St. Helena and loved her God. Many friends were made at St. Ann’s bible study which she attended regularly.
After her retirement from Head Start, she could often be seen strolling her grandchildren through the neighborhood. She found great joy in each of them and was proud to be called Gramma. Tinkerbell the cat and Honey the dog were blessed to be in her home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Gerald and her sons Jim and Paul. Surviving are her husband of 55 years; her son, Ed and his wife, Cindy and their children, Anthony, Jenna and James; her daughter, Kate and her husband, Rodney Lamping and their children, Emma and Sam. Also surviving are her daughter, Theresa and her husband Jon Metropoulos and their children, Jon, Andy and Anna; and her son Jim’s children, Jesse, Carly and Jamie.
We wish to thank Rosetta Assisted Living with their compassionate dignified care. They made Jean feel right at home in her final year. We would also like to thank Dave at Frontier Hospice for his care.
A Funeral Liturgy will be noon Monday, February 21st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date at Jefferson City Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral of Saint Helena immediately following the memorial service. Memorials are suggested to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, 2112 E. Custer Avenue, Helena or to the Rosetta Assisted Living Activity Center, 2530 Wildwood Lane, Helena. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Amy Anderson says
I first met Jean many years ago when I worked at Helena Nursing Home as an Activity Director. She visited her mother Bessie several times each week and often had her young grandson Jon in tow along with Honey dog. What I remember most about Jean was her positive and engaging manner. She was quick with a smile and a laugh and a great conversationalist. Everyone looked forward to her visits. She was a bright spot for so many.
Bernadette Lahr says
Kate, Rodney, Emma and Sam,
My heart goes out to all of you during this very sad and difficult time. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and ask that you take care of each other. I’ve learned a lot about your mom Kate and how special she was by reading through the guestbook. Keep those wonderful memories always. Love, Bernadette
Beverly Hill says
We so miss Jean at Rosetta. She was warm and gentle presence for all of us, and a special companion at my dining table. I feel a great loss from my newest family. Beverly and K.C.
Bonnie LaFountaine says
Kate and family: Please know how sorry I am for the loss of your mom. Thank you for your kind words. Jean was a gentle, loving woman and I feel honored you chose us to care for her.
Brensdals says
Theresa and Family: We remember you telling us of your trips back to N. Dakota. Our thoughts are with you in this time of loss. We are glad you had such a session with Jett that morning. Bruce, Amber, Logan and of course Jett.
Brian Duffy says
Rest in Peace and may God bless you Jean Starke. I will always remember your terrific smile and how you made me feel welcome in your home while visiting with Paul. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of sorrow
Carol E. Bonner says
Allen & family,
I will always remember the wonderful times we had at Head Start as nurses. In your back yard sipping tea, was another of our treasured moments. The ready smile, the twinkling eyes, the brisk walk, and the exuberance for caring!!! I am thinking of you.
Hugs,
Carol E. Bonner
Char Jantzen says
Jean Starke, was gifted in many areas her kindness, humor, strength and faith
would shine through when you met her.
She was an anchor for me during a very difficult time in my life as a young adult.
Jean spent hours trying to teach me to sew. Her patience and kindness was insurmountable.
The life lessons that I learned in sewing room have guided me through my nursing career and life.
Ellen McGonigal Osborne says
I have great memories of Mrs. Starke growing up. Only living a block away, my brother and I were often at their home, always with a warm welcome. My condolences to the Starke family.
John Cornish says
My condolences to the Starke family,
I remember her as being very pleasant to all of us who were Jim’s friends, despite us being quite rowdy in those years…..She also provided us with many grilled cheese sandwiches, with a sweet pickle on the side!….To this day, I can’t have a grilled cheese sandwich without thinking of those years of friendship with the Starke clan….
Anyway, I feel fortunate I was able to visit with her, and daughter Kate, over the holiday’s…..She was a good soul…..
Take care of yourselves,
John Cornish
Judy Webster says
For Jean’s family, my deepest sympathy to all of you. I loved working with Jean at Head Start and was very sad when she retired. I’m sorry that I was not aware of her condition as I have been disabled myself the past 12 years. You can be proud of this woman who showed us all how to live life to the fullest. God Be With You All
Judy Webster.
Kathy Johnston says
Kate and Family: So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I have fond memories of the sweet and kind person Jean was when I spent time at her home. May you have peace and comfort in knowing she is in God’s hands.
Katie Farr says
Jean is a beautiful soul. I will miss her and feel it was a blessing to get to know her this past year. Her sense of humour was one of a kind. She made me laugh no matter what else was going on. My love and prayers are with her family.
Laurie House says
Jean was a very special lady and a loving part of our “Rosetta Family.” She is greatly missed by all who knew her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Leon & Marsha Belville says
Sorry to here of Jeans’ passing. Leons Mom lived on 8th ave and when Jean took her walks she would stop and talk with him. That was a year and a half ago. She was a real sweet Lady.
Mary McGonigal Duede says
My sincere sympathy to the Starke Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jean was a very sweet lady–the old central neighborhood has lost another wonderful lady.
Ralph Guay says
Thanks to all of you for sharing your wonderful Mother with us. We will be praying for you all…
Roos-Blossom Family says
Although our family did not know Jean, we have been blessed to spend time around two of her granddaughters, Emma and Jenna and their families. Jean has left quite a legacy… Our thoughts and prayers to all of Jean’s family and friends.
Russ & Kim Pelo says
We were so sorry to hear about Jean. We know it was a long road for you all. She was a wonderful lady and I know she will be missed by so many. Please know we are thinking of you during this time. God Bless!!!
Russ & Kim Pelo says
We were so sorry to hear about Jean. We know it was a long road for you all. She was a wonderful lady and I know she will be missed by so many. Please know we are thinking of you during this time. God Bless!!!
Sam Crawford says
Kate, I am truly sorry to hear about your loss. I will always treasure the memories of your mother teaching us CCD, she was a wonderful lady.
Sue, Jerry and Andy Anderson says
Anna, we are so sorry to hear of you’re Grandma’s passing. 🙁 She sounds like a wonderful lady – you must be very proud of her. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Tiffany Cheetham says
It was such a pleasure getting to know Jean . She always made me smile, I will never forget her, for she left such an impression on me. I am so sorry for your loss.
Wes and Katie Tintinger says
We were so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. We loved her and she has left us with so many great memories. One time Jean and I (katie) were playing racketball and someone stopped by to ask if we wanted lessons. I guess we weren’t very good but we had fun and laughed so much. She was a wonderful lady, and friend, and a superb nurse. Ou thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Love, Wes and Katie and Family