Jean Birkholz passed away on 8/26/26, just one day after her 96th birthday. Jean was born 8/25/30 in Tacoma Washington to Ebert and Amelia Kaelin.
Jean graduated from Fife High in 1949 and married Paul Birkholz the following October. She moved to Laramie Wyoming in November of 1949, not necessarily the most optimal time of the year in Laramie. Jean had four children, Doug, David, Dan and Denise. Jean worked for several of the dress stores of 1950’s Laramie and had many sorted tales about the “business” on first street, she spent many years in food services at the University of Wyoming, getting to know many of the students so well they referred to her as “mom”. After retirement Jean became an avid world traveler, she enjoyed many cruises with her friends, but her most precious travels were with her two sisters Fran and Carolyn. We are blessed that her sisters came to visit this past May and the three of them traveled around in mom’s little red Buick. To say that Jean was a talker is an understatement, if you ran into her or spoke to her on the phone you better have an hour to catch up on what was going on. She was also the epitome of a caregiver, always making food for family and friends as well as checking in on them. Right up to the weekend before she passed she was walking around her neighborhood checking in on those she cared about. Jean was also very proud of her five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Jean was preceded in death by her son, Dan in 1991.
Jean is survived by her sons Doug and Dave, her daughter Denise (Rick) Roach, grandchildren Casey and Missy Birkholz, Cory and AnnMarie Birkholz, Cody and Morgan Birkholz, Marshall and Bethany Roach, Kaelin Roach and Ben Nance.
Jean passed at her little home of 64 years and will be missed terribly. In these days where we don’t take to time to get to know our neighbors or perform simple acts of kindness maybe we can learn a lesson from Jean. Mom helped compose this and per her wishes a small family get together will happen next spring where we will spread her ashes as she directed us. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to St Jude’s Children hospital in her name.
5 Comments To "Jean Birkholz"
#1 Comment By Beth Hulett Fly On September 3, 2026 @ 5:37 am
Doug, Dave & Denise, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Nothing can replace a Mothers love. Sending love..
#2 Comment By Eric Schilt On September 3, 2026 @ 6:03 am
What a wonderful life lived and a wonderful family she nurtured.
I have many fond memories of her son Dan and my many adventures.
Denise, your missed at our class reunions!
Best wishes to the family.
Eric Schilt
#3 Comment By Jolene On September 3, 2026 @ 10:36 am
I was Jean’s hair stylist and got to see her once a week. I will sorely miss her on Fridays. She was very sweet lady. She knew what she wanted. Prayers to the family.
#4 Comment By Anonymous On September 4, 2026 @ 11:15 am
Jean worked with my mom at the student Union. She was an awesome lady and will truly be missed.
#5 Comment By Tom & Kathleen Eberhart On September 5, 2026 @ 8:03 am
Dear Doug, Dave, Denise, and Families,
We were so sorry to hear about Jean’s passing. She lived a truly wonderful, full life—one that beautifully balanced a dedication to taking care of people, mixed with an independent spirit and a few tales of shenanigans along the way!
Her constant habit of checking in on her neighbors is such a comforting reminder of what it means to be a good neighbor, leaving behind an incredible example of everyday kindness for all of us.
We are keeping each of you in our thoughts and prayers.
With our deepest sympathy,
Tom and Kathleen Eberhart (Brown)