Jean Witkowski

Jean Witkowski, 82, of Catawba Island, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, following a courageous and lengthy battle with lymphoma. Jean was born on June 24, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Donald and Dorothy (Rudo) Gies. She graduated from Shorewood High School in Wisconsin before pursuing higher education, ultimately graduating from Ohio University with both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

On November 14, 1964, she married the love of her life, Paul Witkowski and they moved together to Lansing Michigan to raise a family while both working at Michigan State University. After later relocating to Ohio, Jean enjoyed a distinguished career in education and administration. She served as assistant to the chair of Ohio University’s Department of Biological Sciences, and eventually rose to the role of Assistant Dean in Ohio University’s College of Education.

After retirement, Jean moved to the Port Clinton area with her husband Paul to be closer to her son and grandchildren. In her retirement, she remained deeply engaged in her community. She was an active member of Firelands Presbyterian Church, where she found spiritual fellowship and sang with the Sometimes Serendipity Singers. Jean also volunteered at the Marblehead Lighthouse, participated in the Happy Quilters, and was a cherished member of her condo community’s social club. Jean also kept in touch with her social groups in Athens Ohio after relocating, including her beloved red-hat friends.

Jean, lovingly known as “Weema” by her grandchildren, took great pride in attending their sporting events, pageants, performances, and parades. Jean traveled extensively in retirement, nearly reaching her goal of seeing all 50 US States. She became a mainstay on many of the learning trips organized through groups at Magruder Hospital.

She is survived by her loving son, Joel (Rebekah) Witkowski; cherished grandchildren, Gabriella, Cara, and Anton; brother-in-law, Richard Sale; sisters-in-law, Sandra and Sandy Witkowski, and Victoria (Lawrence) Mack. Jean is also survived by her loving nieces Donna (Barry) Robertson, Mary (Marty) McQuillan, and Laura Candella, and her nephew Brad Witkowski. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul, her parents Donald and Dorothy Gies, sister Nancy Sale, niece Karen Sale, brothers-in-law Tom and David Witkowski, and her loyal canine companion, Murray.

A visitation and memorial service to celebrate Jean’s life will be held at Firelands Presbyterian Church on E. Harbor Rd. in Port Clinton, Saturday October 25th with visitation starting at 9AM and an 11AM Memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Firelands Presbyterian Church, Magruder Hospital, or your local PBS or NPR member station.