Jean Wick

Jean Alberta Wick, 89, of Ashby, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Ashby Living Center. Her funeral is set for 11 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby. There will be a visitation one hour prior.

Jean Alberta Wick was born to Albert and Tressa Hoff on September 11, 1935. She graduated from Ashby High School and went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree in teaching from St. Cloud State University.

She married the love of her life, Donnie Wick, on December 26, 1955. They were married for 39 years until Donnie’s passing in 1994 - but the rings never came off.

Jean taught in Ashby, Elbow Lake, and Wendell for a total of 45 years. She was a dedicated principal (Ashby) and teacher until she formally retired in 2005. However, Jean loved teaching so much, she continued as a substitute teacher until she almost 80 years old.

While a great deal of her joy resulted from teaching her students (especially her 6th grade students she taught reading to), she never positioned herself as above whom she was teaching; Jean was attentive and empathetic - always listening to the ones she taught.

A girl from the north country, she knew how to dress ducks as well as herself, and in the most fashionable style – the themed jewelry obviously showed. She was the most supportive daughter, wife, and mother when it came to her family’s hunting activities – which were, of course, followed by her infamous cheesy au gratin.

Jean’s unrelenting support and dedication to family should not be dismissed; she was often the first call for advice, consolation, and patience. Always spoken with her sweet and gentle, yet reassuring, affirming voice. Then would follow the witty jokes to make one laugh under some doubt and tears- that sealed the deal.

Jean held deep reverence, compassion, and unconditional love for her family, the same was (and still remains) definitely true for the students she taught, the friendships she nurtured, as well as the people she maybe only talked to for a matter of minutes in her local grocery store. To know Jean was to know resilience, loyalty, and empathy. To know a true Christian was to know Jean Wick.

She was a member of United Lutheran Church (Elbow Lake) and Peace Lutheran Church (Ashby).

Jean passed away on March 29, 2025, at the Ashby Living Center.

Jean is survived by her sons, David Wick (Tammy), Michael Wick (Amy), Steven Wick; grandchildren, Ray Wick (Harrison, McKenzy), Ryan, Jarrett, Tessa (Sonny); niece, Cindy Lanum; grandniece, Kristin Treiber (Taylor, Emi, Rhys); and grandnephew, Eric Lanum (Ayrika).

Preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Tressa; husband, Donnie; brother, Glenn (Darlene) Hoff; in-laws, Albert Wick, Randy Wick, and Mae Wick.

She is our sunshine.

A heartfelt thank you to Ashby Living Center and Douglas County Hospice for their sensitive and excellent service in the caretaking of Jean, and a special thank you to all of her friends that supported her throughout the years.