Jeanette M. Lelwica

Jeanette M. Lelwica, age 99, of Winona, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Brookdale Senior Living in Winona.

She was born on March 9, 1925, in Winona, to Adolph and Regina (Rivers) Philipps, and was a 1944 graduate of Winona High School.  Jeanette was married to Joseph Lelwica, they later divorced.   Jeanette was a member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Jeanette stayed at home for several years to raise her family, until she found a job at a new company starting in Winona, WinCraft, Inc., in 1961, and was one of the first two employees hired.  Jeanette retired in 1991 from WinCraft after 30 years.

Jeanette was sweet, kind-hearted, and loved the simple pleasures in life.   She will be remembered for her enjoyment of playing games, cards, word-search, sewing, cross-stitch, going for scenic drives, get-togethers with her sisters, and anything chocolate.  Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she especially cherished the time that she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   She will be deeply missed.

Jeanette is survived by her children: Sandy (Ron) Lande, Jeannie (Rick) Fischer, Steve (Jodi) Lelwica, and Carol (Bill) Berg; grandchildren: Bryan (Heather) Lande, Paul (April) Lande, Tony (Katie) Lande, April (Joe) Lehnertz, Kristine (Steve) Kreckow, Zach Lelwica, Alex Lelwica, Amy (Craig) Wolfe, and Doug Berg; great-grandchildren: Colin, Justin, Mallory, Max, Dylan, Evan, Tyler, Megan, Angie, Emmette, Reed, with one more expected in May; siblings: Dorothy Chadbourn and Eleanor Roloff; in-laws: LeRoy Czaplewski and Judy Philipps; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Alois Philipps, Marguerite Redig, Everett Philipps, Donald Philipps, Virginia Koenig, Sally Scott, Kate Czaplewski, and Robert Philipps.

Jeanette’s family would like to extend big thanks, gratitude, and appreciation to the many health care workers at Brookdale Senior Living, Winona Health Hospice, and Dr. Forsyth, for their care of Jeanette over the past six months.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wilson, MN. The Very Reverend Mark C. McNea will officiate.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

“Good night, mom.  God bless you.  We love you.”

Online condolences or memories may be left for Jeanette’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.