Betty Jane Oknewski, age 85, passed away on October 16, 2015, at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill under the care of Ministry Home Hospice after years of suffering with Alzheimer’s.
Betty Jane was born on July 6, 1930, in Irma to the late Philip & Celia (Willett) Bushar. Jane attended school in Irma. She married Louis (Louie) Oknewski on Nov 6, 1948, in Merrill and he preceded her in death on October 15, 1983. Jane moved to Tomahawk after marrying Phillip Kleinfeldt on July 29, 1990. Phil preceded her in death on July 31, 2012.
Jane worked for many years at Hansen Glove Factory in Merrill. Later, she worked for WCA, in Merrill, where she was called “dependable, calm and practical under fire”. Jane was an excellent seamstress, and made clothes for herself and her daughter, Cheri. She also enjoyed sewing outfits for the many dolls in her doll collection. She loved decorating her home for every holiday. Jane was part of a large close knit family and enjoyed the many Bushar family gatherings.
Jane is survived by her daughter, Cheri (Howard) Teal, of Middleton WI; her sister, Phyllis (Pip) Gilson, her brothers, Phillip (Porky) & David (Pete) Bushar, all of Merrill; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jane is further survived by the families of Louie Oknewski and Phil Kleinfeldt. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louie Oknewski; and second husband, Phil Kleinfeldt; brothers, Arnold, Louis and Freeman Bushar; half-brothers, Joseph, Thomas, Edward, Vernice and Otis Bushar; sisters, Evangeline (Van)Monti, Rosella Bushar, Louise Haring, Audrey Haring, Kathryn Zimmerman; and a half-sister, Marion Bushar.
In accordance with Jane’s wishes, there will be a private service. Burial will take place at St. Francis Cemetery, in Merrill.
Cheri would like to thank the Pine Crest Nursing Home staff for their loving care throughout her mom’s last years and for the more recent care provided by Ministry Hospice. And a special thanks for several of Cheri’s “Up North” cousins for making her many trips to see her mom more pleasant.
Krueger Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the obituary at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.