1930
Jane
2018
Jane Johannes Stephan
February 16, 1930 — August 2, 2018
Our Irish Mother--
We lost our beloved mother Thursday August 2, 2018. She passed away in her home surrounded by her children - a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister, child and loyal friend, if you met her even once, it's unlikely you walked away without a hug.
Mom was born February 16, 1930 in St. Paul, to our grandparents - Jack and Grace O'Keefe. Mom often told us, with her half smile, Irish grin, that Grandpa Jack was a little disappointed she wasn't a boy, but that her Grandpa O'Keefe was delighted she had red hair. Her fiery red locks complemented her smiling eyes, generous spirit, love of life and playful (sometimes mischievous) nature.
Mom was forever proud of her Irish heritage. Grandpa was born in County Cork, Ireland and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was approximately seven years old. He was a tall, lanky, charismatic and loving man who liked to sing Irish songs to his children. Like mom, he had a playful personality, always quick with a joke and a smile.
Mom was one of five children: Aunt Katherine (Katie), Aunt Pat, then mom, Uncle Johnny and Aunt Maureen. Grandpa Jack worked as a weighmaster for the State of Minnesota at the South Saint Paul Stockyard for over 30 years. Grandma Grace was a housewife, but in later years worked part- time as a drug store clerk near the Cathedral and as a pie maker at Mickey's Diner. Although the O'Keefes were of modest means, mom often talked about how much fun they had as a family. They didn't have a backyard, but her mother would take them for picnics at Como or Phalen park. Those were some of her fondest childhood memories.
Mom and her sisters loved music and loved to dance. As teenagers, they often went to the Prom Ballroom to see some of the most popular performers of the time. They also loved to go to the movies. During her high school years, mom worked as an usher at the West Twins Theatre on Robert Street. After high school, she worked at an upscale dress shop (the kind of shop where models would display dresses for patrons by walking the carpet, you've seen it in the movies). Mom also sang jingles on the radio.
In 1948, mom graduated from Humboldt High School. Around this time she was introduced to our wonderful dad through mutual friends, and they were married in 1950. By the time Mom and Dad were, age 26 and 27 respectively, they had three daughters and one on the way. In 1962, they left their home on Nebraska Street in St. Paul and moved to Red Wing with their six children: Chris, Debbie, Mary, Lenore, Dick & Mike. Two years later Suzy was born. Our years growing up in Red Wing on Twin Bluff Road were idyllic to say the least. Mom finally had a backyard of her own where she could watch her kids go sledding, build snowmen, and hunt for Easter eggs. Seeing her children happy was her greatest joy. She loved Christmas and always wanted to be sure we didn't go without. She would work a part-time, seasonal job every year so that she and Dad could afford to give us a Christmas to remember. They never failed.
All of our childhood traditions were magnified ten-fold when her grandchildren came to be. Mom was overjoyed having all of her children and grandchildren home for holidays, and she enjoyed seeing the traditions she and Dad fostered, being passed down to her grandkids.
Not unlike the era Mom was born into, she endured some life struggles. Our family heart was broken in 1980 with the passing of our dad at age 50. There were moments we couldn't imagine recovering from such a tremendous loss, but our mother was strong and we followed her lead.
We were all blessed when Mom found love again in a kind, patient and loving man - Darby. They were married in 1984. We gained another family and became one bigger, happier family. We all have fond memories of times spent at the cabin on Balsam Lake. Darby and Mom had many joyous years together.
In 1999, we lost Darby and once again we all wrapped our arms around Mom to get her through another devastating loss. Our mother, once again, showing unwavering strength.
During the years to come, her little sister Maureen (always her partner in crime) continued to be a great comfort and friend to Mom. They were inseparable. The two of them enjoyed many activities including Red Hats, playing cards, trips to the casino, marching in Shriner parades, trips to Laughlin and celebrating New Year's Eve together.
The last years with Mom were punctuated with the birth of more grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom could hardly wait to hold them in her arms. Her greatest happiness was seeing all of those she loved together, happy, laughing, joking, telling stories, teasing, singing, playing games, celebrating, and loving one another.
She often said she didn't want people to be sad when she was gone. She said she had lived a good life; she said she was thankful for all that God had given her. Once again, we will follow her lead and try not to be sad, but instead to be thankful. Thankful for our mother, our grandmother, our great grandmother, who taught us all the true meaning of love.
Mass of Resurrection will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at the Church of St. Joseph with Father Thomas M. Kommers presiding. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and at the church for one hour prior to the service.
602 Plum Street P.O. Box 111
Red Wing, MN, 55066
435 West 7th St.
Red Wing, MN, 55066
435 West 7th St.
Red Wing, MN, 55066
We lost our beloved mother Thursday August 2, 2018. She passed away in her home surrounded by her children - a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister, child and loyal friend, if you met her even once, it's unlikely you walked away without a hug.
Mom was born February 16, 1930 in St. Paul, to our grandparents - Jack and Grace O'Keefe. Mom often told us, with her half smile, Irish grin, that Grandpa Jack was a little disappointed she wasn't a boy, but that her Grandpa O'Keefe was delighted she had red hair. Her fiery red locks complemented her smiling eyes, generous spirit, love of life and playful (sometimes mischievous) nature.
Mom was forever proud of her Irish heritage. Grandpa was born in County Cork, Ireland and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was approximately seven years old. He was a tall, lanky, charismatic and loving man who liked to sing Irish songs to his children. Like mom, he had a playful personality, always quick with a joke and a smile.
Mom was one of five children: Aunt Katherine (Katie), Aunt Pat, then mom, Uncle Johnny and Aunt Maureen. Grandpa Jack worked as a weighmaster for the State of Minnesota at the South Saint Paul Stockyard for over 30 years. Grandma Grace was a housewife, but in later years worked part- time as a drug store clerk near the Cathedral and as a pie maker at Mickey's Diner. Although the O'Keefes were of modest means, mom often talked about how much fun they had as a family. They didn't have a backyard, but her mother would take them for picnics at Como or Phalen park. Those were some of her fondest childhood memories.
Mom and her sisters loved music and loved to dance. As teenagers, they often went to the Prom Ballroom to see some of the most popular performers of the time. They also loved to go to the movies. During her high school years, mom worked as an usher at the West Twins Theatre on Robert Street. After high school, she worked at an upscale dress shop (the kind of shop where models would display dresses for patrons by walking the carpet, you've seen it in the movies). Mom also sang jingles on the radio.
In 1948, mom graduated from Humboldt High School. Around this time she was introduced to our wonderful dad through mutual friends, and they were married in 1950. By the time Mom and Dad were, age 26 and 27 respectively, they had three daughters and one on the way. In 1962, they left their home on Nebraska Street in St. Paul and moved to Red Wing with their six children: Chris, Debbie, Mary, Lenore, Dick & Mike. Two years later Suzy was born. Our years growing up in Red Wing on Twin Bluff Road were idyllic to say the least. Mom finally had a backyard of her own where she could watch her kids go sledding, build snowmen, and hunt for Easter eggs. Seeing her children happy was her greatest joy. She loved Christmas and always wanted to be sure we didn't go without. She would work a part-time, seasonal job every year so that she and Dad could afford to give us a Christmas to remember. They never failed.
All of our childhood traditions were magnified ten-fold when her grandchildren came to be. Mom was overjoyed having all of her children and grandchildren home for holidays, and she enjoyed seeing the traditions she and Dad fostered, being passed down to her grandkids.
Not unlike the era Mom was born into, she endured some life struggles. Our family heart was broken in 1980 with the passing of our dad at age 50. There were moments we couldn't imagine recovering from such a tremendous loss, but our mother was strong and we followed her lead.
We were all blessed when Mom found love again in a kind, patient and loving man - Darby. They were married in 1984. We gained another family and became one bigger, happier family. We all have fond memories of times spent at the cabin on Balsam Lake. Darby and Mom had many joyous years together.
In 1999, we lost Darby and once again we all wrapped our arms around Mom to get her through another devastating loss. Our mother, once again, showing unwavering strength.
During the years to come, her little sister Maureen (always her partner in crime) continued to be a great comfort and friend to Mom. They were inseparable. The two of them enjoyed many activities including Red Hats, playing cards, trips to the casino, marching in Shriner parades, trips to Laughlin and celebrating New Year's Eve together.
The last years with Mom were punctuated with the birth of more grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom could hardly wait to hold them in her arms. Her greatest happiness was seeing all of those she loved together, happy, laughing, joking, telling stories, teasing, singing, playing games, celebrating, and loving one another.
She often said she didn't want people to be sad when she was gone. She said she had lived a good life; she said she was thankful for all that God had given her. Once again, we will follow her lead and try not to be sad, but instead to be thankful. Thankful for our mother, our grandmother, our great grandmother, who taught us all the true meaning of love.
Mass of Resurrection will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at the Church of St. Joseph with Father Thomas M. Kommers presiding. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and at the church for one hour prior to the service.
Visitation
AUG 7. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CDT)
Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel602 Plum Street P.O. Box 111
Red Wing, MN, 55066
Visitation
AUG 8. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)
Church of St. Joseph435 West 7th St.
Red Wing, MN, 55066
Funeral Service
AUG 8. 11:00 AM (CDT)
Church of St. Joseph435 West 7th St.
Red Wing, MN, 55066
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