Jean Chase

Jean Elaine (Hayward) Chase, age 90, passed into eternal life on March 17, 2015. Jean was born June 26, 1924 and grew up in Fond du Lac, WI, the daughter of Maxine (Dunlap) McCubbins and Edward Hayward.

After graduating from Fond du Lac High School she worked for two years for the U.S. Employment Service. Then she began dating her future husband, Robert H. (Bob) Chase, who had lived next door to her. They married on December 26, 1943 and moved to Chicago where Bob worked for Corn Products Refining Company while Jean worked as a typist until their first child, Bob Jr. was born. In 1948 the family moved to Appleton, WI, where husband Bob worked as stockbroker and partner with Wayne Hummer & Co.

Family was so important to Jean. She valued each of them and found joy in whatever she could do to make their lives a little brighter. Jean's son Bob is the president of the non-profit Serrv International and lives in Madison, WI with his wife Sue and daughter Anh. Daughter Debbie is a retired Presbyterian minister, living in Bixby, OK. Grandson Owen lives in Raleigh, NC with his wife Stephanie and son Ty. Jean adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandson Ty now age 5.

Jean deeply loved her husband Bob and they enjoyed time with their children, social gatherings with good friends, participation in community events, and family vacations. Friends were also so important to Jean, and her friends loved her deeply for she was always a gracious and loving friend. She had a gift for being warm, welcoming and kind to all.

Jean enjoyed playing tennis and golf and was an avid bridge player. Family ski trips, winters in Florida with Bob, trips to Alaska, Hawaii, U.K. and Scandinavia as well as a traveling to Africa with son Bob Jr. and Sue to visit Debbie, who spent 13 years in Malawi as a Presbyterian Mission Co-worker, were some of the highlights of Jean's life.

Jean was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Job's Daughters, Butte des Morts Country Club, and an active member of the First United Methodist Church for 64 years, teaching Sunday School, serving on the Memorial Committee, delivering cookies to new members, and preparing food for memorial luncheons.

She served as a Cub Scout and Brownie leader, delivered Meals on Wheels, served as a Pink Lady at Appleton Medical Center, assisted Vietnamese refugees and served as a volunteer for Serrv International. Jean's zest for life was an inspiration to all of us, and we celebrate her life.

Jean is preceded in eternal life by her brother Jerry Brinker, her parents and her husband Bob.

The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to the staff of The Heritage, Hospice Care, Cherry Meadows, Appleton Medical Center, Dr. J.C. Anderson and Rev. David Farina, all of whom went far beyond the call of duty to care for Jean. She was always grateful for the loving care you provided.

A Memorial Service will take place, Saturday, March 28, 2015, 10:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 325 E. Franklin Street, Appleton with the Rev. David Farina officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the Memorial Service.

In place of flowers the family would appreciate Gifts in Memory of Jean to be made to the First United Methodist Church, Appleton and Serrv International.