Jean Ann (Maluka) Van Ornum completed her life’s battle with many bodily complications at 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 28, 2021.
She fought valiantly for many years, utilizing her vast knowledge base of naturopathic wellness along with the help of wonderful doctors and nurses, and her devout Christian life as a member of Waupaca’s congregation of Jehovahs Witnesses. Born on January 18, 1949 in Stevens Point, WI to parents Walter and Ruth Maluka, Jean graduated high school in Stevens Point and went on to beauty school in Green Bay. Upon receiving her managers license she ran her own salon for several years before taking over her grandmother’s business, Ross Nursing Home, re-naming it South Park Retirement Home in Waupaca, WI, with her husband Glen (Mickey) Van Ornum. They ran the retirement home for approx. 10 years before retiring to Hawaii for a number of beautiful years, then returning home to Waupaca to be with their family.
Jean’s hobbies included sewing, cooking, gardening, canning, and showering love and generosity on family and friends. She praised Jehovah’s name daily through her works and words, striving to live by His word, the bible. With a mind like a steel trap and the heart of a mountain, she gave everyone her all in a big huge way, always putting others before herself.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Mitchell (Mickey) Van Ornum, just two short years prior. They were able to celebrate their 50th anniversary together and with family on May 10, 2019. She is survived by her four children and eight grandchildren: Velesa Van Ornum, Big Falls, WI – Dalton Gray; Luykas (Carrie) Van Ornum, Waupaca, WI – Ethan and Aidan Van Ornum; Velonnie (Jim) Fritz, Waupaca, WI – Morgan, Ava, and Fisher Fritz; Velinda (Chayne) Bonikowske, Waupaca, WI – Chaylyn and Scarlet Bonikowske; siblings: Gary Maluka, Stevens Point, WI – Jeff and Jeremy Maluka; Julie Maluka, Clintonville, WI; Barb Luka, Binghamton, NY; cousins Carole (Bob) Koon, Stevens Point, WI and daughters, McKenna and Caitlin.
We want to thank all Jean’s loving friends and/or congregation members, especially Leone Ferrin, Donna Miller, Kathy Seeger, Lisa Krejci, Sarah Mientke, Joyce Denil, and Barb Harrington.
A Memorial Zoom funeral talk will be held by the Waupaca congregation of Jehovahs Witnesses at 2:00 on Saturday September 11th; for information to join or view the zoom meeting please send an email request for the zoom meeting number to [email protected] . Jean’s family is hosting a celebration of life gathering at Waupaca Danes Hall on Sunday, September 5th at 2:00 until 5:00; all who knew her are welcomed to join for a meal and fellowship. In lieu of flowers and in case of inability to attend, cards or words of encouragement for the family may be sent in care of Luykas Van Ornum E2307 Woodridge Dr. Waupaca, WI.