Jean Marie Metcalf, 85

Jean Marie Metcalf, née Arendt, of Stevens Point, died peacefully on April 23, 2025, at Wellington Place at Whiting. She was 85.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1401 Clark St., Stevens Point. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at Shuda Funeral Chapel, 3200 Stanley St., Stevens Point, and again at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Jean was born Jan. 5, 1940, in Wisconsin Rapids, the daughter of Edward and Loretta (née Gamma) Arendt. She lost her father at the age of 2 due to a work accident and was raised alongside her siblings, Donald and Elaine, by her mother and grandmother, Mary Gamma, with the support of many relatives.

An exceptional student and talented individual, Jean graduated as the valedictorian speaker from Assumption High School in 1958. She attended Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee on academic scholarships, majoring in speech and drama, and earned lead roles in musical theater productions. One professor encouraged her to pursue Broadway, but while working summer jobs back home, she met Michael “Mike” Metcalf. They married in 1960.

Jean paused her theatrical pursuits to support Mike while he completed his studies in Minneapolis and Cambridge, Massachusetts. During this time, they welcomed their first three children, Lisa, Jill and Tara. Son Brian was later born in Madison. After settling in Stevens Point, Jean became active in community theater, often starring in productions at Community Area Theater and Shoestring Players, including lead roles such as Cinderella. Years later, she and Mike welcomed their youngest child, Brady.

Her Catholic faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She volunteered extensively, including teaching religious classes, leading prayer and confirmation groups, serving Birthright, organizing Scout troops, participating in PTA, and delivering Holy Communion to the sick.

Jean also became an avid sports fan, especially cheering on her son Brady in basketball and loyally supporting the Green Bay Packers — even in a household divided by her husband’s Minnesota Vikings allegiance. She enjoyed gardening, walking with friends, and eating ice cream, earning her the affectionate title “Ice Cream Grandma Jean” among her grandchildren.

Jean is survived by her husband, Mike; their children, Lisa (Greg) Romain, Jill (James) Kasmarek, Tara (Thomas) Evers, Brian Metcalf, and Brady (Kristin Rohde) Metcalf; her grandchildren, Corey (Teresa) Copps, Suzanne (David) Thomson, Katie (Alex) Bauchle, Traci (Ben) Bohlen, Andrew Kasmarek, Brian (Ashley) Evers, Ross Kasmarek, Kelly Evers, Karalyn (Tyler) Tennies, Daniel (Crystal) Evers, Madison Romain, Anna Romain, Michael Metcalf, Lola Rohde, Breleigh Shay, Crosby Metcalf, and Cove Metcalf; and 13 great grandchildren and one on the way! She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Marjorie Arendt; brothers-in-law, Thomas Metcalf and William (Carole) Metcalf; ex-sister-in-law, Jill Metcalf; and nine nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Albert Rounds and Ruth Bassett Metcalf; her brother, Donald Arendt; her sister, Elaine (née Arendt) Semrow and husband Richard Semrow; her brother-in-law, James Metcalf; her sister-in-law, Crystal (née Metcalf) Metcalf; and many dear friends.

The family extends special thanks to extended family members, friends including Marilyn Worth and Joy Kirsch, and to Philip Kleitsch for his care and companionship. Gratitude is also expressed to the staff at Wellington Place for their care over the past 21 months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Operation Bootstrap, 5000 Heffron St., Stevens Point, WI 54481, or Catholic Relief Services at support.crs.org.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.