Jean Idelle (Olson) Skelton

Jean Idelle Skelton (née Olson), age 97, of Brookfield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, just days before her 98th birthday. She was born on September 13, 1927, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Jean was devoted to her family. An exceptional cook and baker, she had a gift for family birthday parties, tea parties, making every plate beautiful and turning the fresh vegetables from her husband's garden into memorable meals and baked goods. For a time, she even ran a successful chocolate chip cookie business, delighting many.

Beyond her culinary gifts, Jean was known for her intellect, curiosity, and deep love of learning. An avid reader of history, she never lost her sharp memory or inquisitive spirit. She expressed her thoughtfulness through beautifully handwritten letters and cards, leaving treasured keepsakes for her loved ones. 

Jean's greatest joy came from her family. She listened with care, took genuine interest in each of their lives, and loved them dearly. Each evening, she had a ritual of prayer in which she thoughtfully named every family member, praying for what she believed they most needed, dreamed of, and deserved. Her love was steady, unconditional, and will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darold Skelton; grandson, Jamey Skelton; and son-in-law, Jack Priebe. She is survived by her children Clark Skelton (Jacky Skelton), Sandra Priebe, and Ted Skelton (Jennifer Heckler); her grandchildren Jody Koepsell (Scott Koepsell), Chris Skelton, Caroline Priebe (Mark Brautigam), Austin Priebe (Angela Wolak), Lauren Knotts (Jake Knotts), Kathryn Skelton, and Victoria Skelton; her great-grandchildren Brandon Koepsell (Ashley Koepsell), Rebecca Koepsell (Ryan Griswold), Ulla Lee Poppy Priebe, Brenna Skelton, Makayla Skelton (Schuyler Pohlhammer), and Conor Skelton; and her great-great-grandchildren Leo Koepsell, Wesley Koepsell, and Maverick Pohlhammer.

Her family will cherish her legacy of love, wisdom, and warmth forever.

Donations can be made to Parkinson's Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/about-us) and/or World Central Kitchen (https://wck.org/donate).

Private family services.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean Idelle (Olson) Skelton, please visit our floral store.