Obituary of Jean Marie Wellhousen
Jean Marie Peacock was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 21, 1940. She was the daughter of Ralph Almond Peacock and Donna Murphy, but raised by her stepmother, Helen. Jean graduated in 1958 from Monroe High School, marrying the love of her life, Howard Edward Wellhousen, on October 18 the same year at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe.
The couple would be blessed with three sons whom Jean lovingly referred to as her “Boys”. Jean knew how to make a house a home, from the love that she shared with her husband, to the care she provided to her children and eventually grandchildren. Jean was known for her infectious personality and beautiful smile which was once described by a neighbor as “the morning sun”. Well put together and filled with the Holy Spirit she was highly-respected amongst her peers and a true example of a Christian mother. Jean knew how to make any holiday special although decorating her home for Christmas and preparing her infamous cookies were her favorite pastimes.
She attended Monroe County Community College to study accounting at the same time her children were enrolled. The unique story was even featured in the college newspaper the Agora. A graduate of the Dale Carnegie Institute, Jean owned and operated the H & R Block office in Dundee for twelve years. At the same time she served ten years as the Southeast Michigan company trainer. Following her time at H & R Block she worked eighteen years as the Financial Director for Catholic Social Services, receiving an award for dedicated and distinguished service from the County of Monroe. During her “retirement” she oversaw the Trinity payroll system for five years.
Jean was active in her home congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe for decades and she and Howard were also proud to be voting members of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, Florida where the couple had wintered for many years. She assisted in numerous missions of the church from the Ladies Aide, to Sunday School Teacher, and the Funeral Dinner Committee.
Even while maintaining her own busy lifestyle, Jean, found a way to support her husband as he served on Church Council and as President. Together, they formerly participated with the Walther League, Lutherans Laymen’s League where she served as Treasurer, and as Greeters. They were active with the Lutheran Hour Ministry in Michigan and Internationally. They traveled extensively including attending multiple Lutheran National Conventions over the years and even attending the Rose Bowl Parade in Anaheim, California to help complete the Lutheran Laymen’s League float.
Jean Marie Wellhousen, age 81, of Monroe passed away at her home on Friday; July 15, 2022 under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. Her passing was preceded by her parents and her mother Helen; an infant daughter: Susan Lynn Wellhousen and a sister: Barbara Brown.
To cherish her memory she leaves her beloved husband of nearly sixty-four years: Howard Edward Wellhousen of Monroe; three sons: Michael H. (Suzette) Wellhousen of Rochester Hills, Rev. Mark E. (Eva) Wellhousen of Monroe, and John C. (Robin) Wellhousen of Bay City; her fourth son, a nephew: Victor (Brenda) Brown; a sister: Mary Bottum; a brother: Fred (Susan) Peacock; a half-sister: Lora Jean Grabil; eight grandchildren: Ashley (Joshua) Runals, McKenna Wellhousen, Alexander Wellhousen, Deidre (Michael) Dotson, Austin (Claire) Wellhousen, Ian Wellhousen, Andrea Umfress, and Autumn (Brad) Schneider; six great grandchildren with one-on-the way: Elizabeth Dotson, Alison Dotson, Jaime Wellhousen, Stephan Umfress, Jacob Schneider, and Andrew Schneider.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday; July 22, 2022 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. She will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Saturday; July 23, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church; 323 Scott Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am with Pastor Daniel Potts and Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth officiating. For the live stream of Jean’s funeral service please follow the link to Trinity’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/trinitylutheranchurchmonroe. Procession will then follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.
Memorials in her honor are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church Debt Reduction or Elara Caring Hospice. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
