Jean E. Dooge

Jean E. Dooge, age 94, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026.  Jean was a beacon of light to family and friends alike.  She gave willingly to others while asking for little.  She was gracious and unpretentious, being grateful for all blessings received but having no sense of entitlement to them. Jean was, quite simply, a wonderful person who enriched and inspired the lives of family and friends. 

Jean was the older of twin daughters born in 1931 to Paul and Lavine (Riess) Burkert on the Burkert family farm on S. Helenville Road. She was baptized at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Helenville.  The family moved to Jefferson around 1935, and Jean was confirmed at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. A graduate of Jefferson High School, class of 1949, Jean was a lifelong Jefferson Eagles booster. 

Jean was first and foremost, a devoted wife and mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Jean's family story began when she married Harvey Dooge on October 7, 1950. Jean moved with Harvey to Honolulu, Hawaii, San Diego, California, and Astoria, Oregon during his Navy service. In 1956, they returned to Jefferson and started building their house. They lived in this family home throughout their marriage, recently celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary. 

Together they raised four children, Vicki (Brian) Volp, Christine (Thomas) Milbrath, Gregg (Tammy) Dooge, and Dan (Pam Walgren) Dooge.  The family continues to grow and, in addition to Harvey, now includes nine grandchildren (Eric Shackley, Tricia Shackley, Kayla Milbrath-Gustafson, Alex Milbrath, Danielle Dooge, Stephanie Dooge, Holly Dooge, Jacqueline Dooge and Michelle Dooge) and two great grandchildren (Lux Gustafson and Aria Milbrath).  Jean attended countless teacher conferences, concerts and sporting events, bringing endless support and encouragement. 

In addition to her family life and responsibilities, Jean worked in nutrition services at Jefferson Middle School, retiring after 26 years. In earlier years, she also worked at LaVasser's Five and Dime in Jefferson, Union Upholstery (Schweiger's) in Jefferson, Creamery Package Mfg in Fort Atkinson, and Copeland Ryder Shoes in Jefferson. 

Jean loved to do needlepoint, braid rugs, refinish furniture, cook, and garden. She taught Sunday School and was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, the VFW Auxiliary, Bark River Woods Historical Society, and Dodge Jefferson County Genealogy Society.  She volunteered for many years at St. Vincent DePaul, with Alden Estates activity programs, and as a substitute delivering Meals on Wheels. 

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Lavine Burkert, her sister June (Miller) Tietz, and an infant sister, Janet. 

Arrangements are being coordinated by the Schneider Michaelis Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Saturday, January 17th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by the service at 12:00 PM, both at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Jefferson. Burial to follow at Rock River Cemetery in Jefferson. Luncheon to follow at the church. The family requests memorials be directed to the Jefferson Senior Center, Rainbow Hospice, or a charity of choice. 

Much appreciation to the staff at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital and Rainbow Hospice for the care provided.