Jean Marie Gilkey

Jean Marie Gilkey (85) of Milton Wisconsin, passed away quietly with her daughter Roberta,  next to her on March 10,2025.  

Jean was born August 6, 1939 in Columbus Wisconsin, the daughter of Harold Gilkey and Josephine (Bentheimer) Gilkey.   The family  moved to Virgil,  Illinois,  she graduated from Central High School.   She met Robert Butt Jr. and married in 1958.  She supported Robert in management of a Dairy farm in Maple Park Illinois until  the couple later moved to Coloma Wisconsin where they managed a Christmas tree farm.   After the tree farm, Jean took on a variety of roles, including Waushara County home care and multiple private duty cargiving roles, the role of Grandma, drew  her  to Lake Mills, where she worked at Standish and Planar.    

 Jean was not afraid of hard work, and was known for her willingness to help others no matter what the task.   If Jean cleaned something for you, it sparkled.      She was an amazing gardener and could make any space beautiful with little or nothing but her creativity.   She loved to read, put puzzles together with her friends, and delighted everyone with her hand painted watercolor cards which  made each  recipient feel very special.      She had a special bond with all of her grandchildren who will miss the traditions she created with and for  each of them.   

She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Josephine.     Siblings,  Donna Oren, Harold Gilkey, Stan Gilkey, Lee Gilkey and her daughter Traci Lynn.     She is survived by her daughters Roberta Kane and Connie Gilkey.    Grandchildren Eric (Chia) Brunner, Devinee (Neil) Deering, Peter (Kayla Howell) Brunner, Olivia (Daniel) Kempema and Rob (Kyla) Gilkey and great grandchildren Remington and Aubyn Deering and Miles Kempema.   Her sister in laws,  Doris Gilkey, Judy Yager, Ruth Hoyt and Rose Jean Hylland and many nieces and nephews.    

 Celebration of life is planned for  later in the spring. 

Nitardy Funeral Home is serving the family.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com