Jean E. O'Donnell was born in Klemme, Iowa on October 15, 1929 the daughter of Mike and Helena (Terhark) Kurtz. She grew up in Iowa and after graduating from high school she went on to Nursing School at Deaconess Hospital. She graduated in 1950 as a registered nurse. On January 20, 1951 she was united in marriage to Thomas Walter O'Donnell and to this union four children were born. They moved to Wisconsin where they spent most of their married life. Tom farmed in rural Amery and Jean worked at the Amery Hospital. She later work at Holy Family Hospital in New Richmond. Jean enjoyed seeing her friends from nursing school, and over the years they had fun getting together to renew old friendships. Jean worked at the elections board in Deer Park for many years. She was an avid reader all her life. After her husband's death she lived in the hi-rise apartments in Amery for a short time before moving to Deer Park. Three years ago she moved to an assisted living residence in the twin cities. As she struggled with health issues she moved to the Good Samaritan Society Home in St. Paul where she passed away a few days later on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at the age of 85 years.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, husband Tom, brother Robert Kurtz and sister Ruth Goll. Surviving are her children: Michael O'Donnell, Teresa Dreher and Suzanne O'Donnell; sister Carole Morton; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.


Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, February 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery. There will be visitation at the church for the hour prior to the service. Private family interment will be at the Amery Cemetery.