Jean Harriet Maus, age 86 of Dawson, MN, died peacefully October 16th with her family at her side. Preceded in death by parents Jake and Hilda Jacobson; sister, Roselle Schulz; brother, Lloyd; and many dear friends. Survived by husband of 62 years, Phil; son, Tim (Pat Gardner) Maus of Rochester; daughter, Tami of NE Minneapolis; granddaughter, Emily of Washington, D.C. Jean was born and graduated from high school in Madison, MN, working for the Western Guard newspaper before attending St Olaf college, where she met husband Phil.
Jean was a sweet and practical force. Although shy and shunning the spotlight, she always summoned courage. Jean supported Phil through medical school, started their family with the birth of Tim in Panama during Phil’s Air Force deployment, managed the kids and family through many of Phil’s busiest years of practice, and encouraged Tami’s Peace Corp travel. Jake and Hilda Jacobson, her beloved parents, enjoyed Jean’s loving care through their final years. Jean kept her brave face in the midst of numerous health challenges, without complaint, maintaining her optimism and sense of humor.
Jean stayed close to Madison high school companions, but flourished in Dawson. She nourished ailing friends with her Norwegian rice, delivered meals on wheels, registered blood donors, helped launch the hospital auxiliary, became a Cub Scout den mother and Girl Scout volunteer, was active in the Esther Circle at Grace Lutheran, and attended every single school activity of her children. She loved playing bridge and golf, sharing coffee and conversation, and knitting afghans for friends and family. Jean and Phil were named the Dawson Gnomes of 1999, a recognition of special community service, and the first time a couple was so honored. Jean did it all with amazing grace.
Her family expanded greatly in her final 5 years with the staff and fellow residents at the Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson. Jean and her family are especially grateful for the wonderfully attentive care of the nursing assistants who loved to joke and banter with her. Through it all, her cherished Phil was by her side. Jean was well-loved; her humble encouragement, gentle actions, and smiles made all around her feel special. Tim said it best, among the host of peaceful words in Jean’s presence during her final days. “Bye, Mom, one of life’s quiet heroes.”
Visitation Fri. Oct. 31 (5-7 p.m.) at the Hanson and Dahl funeral home in Dawson with a prayer service at 5:30. Memorial service Sat. Nov. 1 at 1:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran in Dawson. Memorials suggested c/o Hanson and Dahl (320-769-4550) to the Dr. Phil Maus Community Scholarship Fund, the Johnson Memorial Care Center, or Grace Lutheran Church.