HILLSBORO - Jean Ellen (Gilkes) Lange, 52, of Hillsboro, passed away at UW-Hospitals in Madison on September 28, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. Jean was born August 8, 1970, to Kenneth and Marilyn (Sutton) Gilkes and raised on the family farm near Esofea.
Jean found her true calling when she earned her nursing degree from Viterbo University. Her big heart, compassion and caring for others shone as she cared for folks at Vernon Memorial Hospital, Gundersen Health System, Hillsboro EMS and as director of nursing at Vernon Manor.
Jean is survived by her husband, Brian Lange, two children Scott (Tiffany) Grimsled of Melvina and Cassandra (Casey) Halverson of Viroqua; grandchildren Amelia, Charlie and Cecelia; step-grandchildren Colt, Dominic and Jordan. She is also survived by her siblings, Debra Gilkes of La Crosse, Francine (William) Gartner of Waterloo, Charles (Rachael) Gilkes of Stoddard, and Damian (Cheryl) Gilkes of Onalaska, sister-in-law Tammy Gilkes of Westby, and brother-in-law Bruce Schlaver of Rockland. She is also survived by Brian’s family, Deb (James) Rick of Baraboo, Randy (Donna) Lange of Wisconsin Dells, Matt (Sue Grant) Lange of Baraboo and sister-in-law Liz Lange of Baraboo. And many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. She will be missed by her 4-legged friends, Daisy, Ginger and Spot.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Katrina Schlaver and Trudie Gilkes, and brother Heath Gilkes as well as her maternal and paternal grandparents. She was also preceded in death by Donald and Kathleen Lange as well as Brent Lange.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday October 4, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton. Rev. Michael Klos will officiate with burial in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 4 to 7 p.m. with a wake service at 4 p.m. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank Gundersen Health System and UW-Hospitals for their care and compassion during Jean’s difficult journey. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to Hillsboro EMS. A precious giving heart is at rest; a helping hand is now still. Rest in peace, Jean. Give a big hug to everyone on your journey home.
Seland Funeral Home
