Jean Reesman, 75, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 28, 2025, in Fort Wayne. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Raymond and Dorothy Roddy. While small in stature, her impact on others was big..

She faced cancer six times with unwavering grace and determination. Her resilience was only matched by her boundless compassion and joy for life.

A lifelong lover of dogs, children, and celebrations she devoted countless hours to volunteering and offering her time to causes close to her heart. Known fondly as the "Laundry Queen," she was always the go-to expert for getting out even the toughest stains, and she did so with a smile.

Her zest for life was infectious—always ready for a costume party and never one to shy away from a good theme. She embraced joy and taught us the beauty in allowing others to help, reminding us that offering help can be as much a gift to the giver as it is to the receiver.

She was spunky, spirited, and deeply proud of her Wisconsin roots. A Friday Night Fish Fry was her kind of heaven, especially when shared with those she loved. She never missed a moment to show up for her people—whether it was a game, a meet, a recital, a spelling bee, or a Christmas program, she was there in the front row, cheering.

She had a deep love of traveling with friends and family. Whether it was a road trip in the States or an adventure abroad, she delighted in discovering new places and making memories along the way.

Thoughtfulness was one of her greatest gifts. She had a special talent for picking out just the right present—something meaningful, personal, and often with a story behind it. Her encouragement was constant and sincere.

Holidays were her canvas for love. She delighted in Easter baskets, birthday breakfasts, and stockings on December 6th in honor of her German heritage. She made sure green carnations were delivered every St. Patrick's Day to celebrate her "wee bit of Irish." She found endless ways to celebrate life and carry forward traditions she started  with her children and carried out with her grandchildren.

She shared a truly special bond with her three granddaughters, who were the lights of her life. Whether they were playing games, spending time in the kitchen, going on shopping trips or to the park, watching one of their shows, or having heart-to-heart talks, she poured endless love and attention into each of them. She celebrated their individuality and made each one feel deeply known and cherished. The lessons she passed on—of kindness, resilience, and joy—will live on in them forever.

A perfect day for her meant a backyard barbecue on the deck under her pergola that was built by her sons-in-law, surrounded by friends and family, preferably paired with a Wisconsin Badger win.

Her faith was central to her life. As a devoted member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, she served on the Preschool Board, participated in Bible studies, and cherished taking communion and fellowship. Her small group of over 35 years was a constant source of strength and joy.

Her legacy is one of service, tradition, joy, encouragement, and fierce love. She showed up, she celebrated, and she made all of us better by her presence.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Jean is survived by her husband of 53 years, Steve; three daughters, Melissa Jean (Jon) Layton, Jodi Elizabeth Reesman, Holly Rae (David II) Streicher; grandchildren, Reese, Quinn, and Sloan Streicher; brother, Thomas (Mary) Edward Roddy; three cousins, Carol Moldenhauer (the late John), Jack (Diane) Kaczkowski, Penny (the late Dennis) Tiskewicz; numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

With love and remembrance, we invite friends and family to join us in celebrating the life of Jean. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 7710 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46815. A memorial service honoring Jean's life will take place at the church on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with an hour of visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Please come to share your memories, love, and support as we remember someone so dear to us.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Preschool, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, and Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com