Jean "Jeanie" Ellen Hutchinson

Jean Ellen nee Schultz Hutchinson, born September 26, 1949, to eternal life July 5, 2024.

Known by her family and dear friends as Jeanie, she was born in Walworth, Wisconsin, to the late Howard and Hazel Schultz. The youngest of six children, Jean was beloved by her older siblings: Richard, Kay, Kenny, Terry, and Frannie. With a big family came many nieces and nephews she loved immensely.

Jean embraced education from a young age, attending Big Foot High School and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Jean majored in elementary education and had a lifelong career in the Sharon school district teaching first and second grade. As a natural nurturer she made everyone feel safe and loved.

On June 30, 1974, she married her best friend, Jim Hutchinson. Together they had two sons. Jean was born to be a mother and raised two sons who she adored. Her heart grew larger when she welcomed her grandchildren. Jean was known for her caring and loving demeanor and beloved by all as a great baker. She would brighten anyone's day with homemade chocolate chip cookies and her celebration cakes.

Jean was involved in many local civic activities and was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church. While Alzheimer’s ultimately took its toll on Jean, it never took away her heart and love for others.

Jean is survived by her husband, Jim; sons Mike and Joe (Liz); grandchildren Kaylee, Madison, Nora, and Jimmy; brother Terry (Betsy) and sister Frannie (Don); and lifelong best friends Jo and Jim Carbonetti. She taught us all the true meaning of unconditional love.

Please join us to celebrate this beloved wife, mom, grandma, friend, and teacher on Tuesday, July 9, for a visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL, and the Celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 504 E. Diggins St., Harvard, IL.  Interment will be in Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Harvard.

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more information at 815-943-5400.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.