Jean B. Zietlow

Jean B. Zietlow, 86, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, died on Oct. 20, 2026, at The Courtyard surrounded by her family.

Jean was born Oct. 3, 1940, in Rockfield, Wisconsin, to Marvin and Ann (Mudlitz) Hornig. She graduated from Wautoma High School and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and worked as an English teacher at Berlin High School and Oshkosh High School. She later served as director of education at Zion Lutheran Church and worked at the Oshkosh Outlook, Morgan Door and OEC Graphics in Oshkosh.

Jean married Allen Zietlow on July 28, 1962, at Mount Morris Lutheran Church. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where, at various times, she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, organized the annual Christmas program, volunteered in the kitchen, counted and deposited offerings, and was a Bible study and youth group leader.

When she wasn’t working or volunteering, Jean enjoyed reading, gardening, baking cookies and pies that family members still attempt to replicate, singing in church and community choirs, walking with friends, and supporting her children and grandchildren in their endeavors. When asked what she was most proud of, Jean once said, “Seeing the remarkable people my children and grandchildren have become.”

Jean is survived by her three children: Tom Zietlow (Julie Ann) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Pat Zietlow Miller (Mark) of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; and Pam Wells (Clark) of Byron Center, Michigan. She also is survived by five grandchildren: Sheenna Kleveno (Mike Taylor) of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; Daniel Wells of Lansing, Michigan; Gwen Miller (Tyler Carway) of Brooklyn, New York; Riley Wells of Berlin, Germany; and Sonia Miller (Minwoo Lee) of Roseville, Minnesota; and one great-grandchild, Yume Budnik of Wauwatosa.

Jean also is survived by her sister, Audrey Dredske of Wautoma, Wisconsin; and brothers, John Hornig of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; and Kenneth Hornig (Rachel Gilmore) of Palm Coast, Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, with a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 400 N. Sawyer Street, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with the Rev. Jeff Knoll officiating. Interment will be at Lake View Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jean’s name will be given to the Oshkosh Public Library to honor Jean’s love of reading and literacy. In a holiday letter, Jean once wrote: “The library is my friend.” She passed that appreciation of books and knowledge to her children.

Jean’s family would like to thank the memory care staff at The Courtyard and everyone from Moments Hospice for taking such good care of her at the end of her life.