Virginia "Jean" Lesperance

Virigina “Jean” Theresa Lesperance (Hafeman), age 96 of Menasha, WI passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025. She was born to Fred J. and Anna L. (Veeser) Hafeman on June 13, 1929 in Menominee, MI. Jean met the love of her life Donald F Lesperance after his time in WWII. They were united in marriage on September 11, 1948 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Spalding, Mi. They raised 5 wonderful children and spent nearly 70 years together.

Jean was a woman of many talents and projects and always had to be working on something. She was very organized and meticulous and never seemed to let anything slip her mind. You might’ve known her best for her sewing skills, hemming and altering almost everything she, Donald, and the kids owned. When day turned to night, the dinner table became her domain and her craft station. She crocheted a few things as well, most notably certain beloved Christmas ornaments. Jean enjoyed a lot of things with Donald, including golf, bike riding, and traveling. Together, they enjoyed dancing and were involved in the Merry Makers Dance Club. They also enjoyed playing cards and bowling with friends. Jean also enjoyed playing board games, piecing together puzzles, and just generally socializing. She enjoyed Taco Tuesdays with her children. More than anything else in the world, though, Jean was a full-time mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and cherished every moment she could spend with her family. She deeply loved and was so proud of everyone she helped to raise. 

Jean will be deeply missed by her children, Bonnie (Leon) Schallie, Gary (Jan) Lesperance, Scott (Kim) Lesperance, and Jane (David) Knoll; her son-in-law, Lawrence Grassl; her grandchildren, Adam (Stephanie) Grassl, Lance (Caitlin) Grassl, Eric Grassl, Beth (Ben) Boehnlein, Mickey (Katherine) Schallie, Peter (Kim Grocholski) Lesperance, Anna (Hever Herrera, Jr) Lesperance, Suzanne (Kyle) Riste, Sara (Damian Selig) Lesperance, Stephen Lesperance, Lacey (Bobby Abdullahi) Knoll, Jessica Knoll, and Jaimeson (Natalie) Walter; her 23 great-grandchildren, her sister, Joyce (Jerry) Schneider; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Lesperance; her daughter, Lynn Ann Grassl; her parents, Fred and Anna Hafeman; and 10 siblings.

A funeral visitation will be held for Jean from 9-11 AM on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a funeral service to follow at 11 AM. Jean will be laid to rest with her husband, Donald at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Neenah, WI. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in honor of Jean’s wishes.

Jean’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and other supporting staff in the Heritage and Cherry Meadows hospice for their care and compassion shown during her time of need.

Our mother certainly was an amazing human being – one of the most unselfish people we have ever known, and we were so lucky to call her Mom.