Jean Mangerson, age 77, of Rhinelander, died Jan. 10, 2018, at her home, surrounded by family. Jean was born May 12, 1940, in Rhinelander to Stanley and Myrtle (Wickham) Bowman. She was raised in the Rhinelander area and attended Rhinelander Union High. She later studied at Nicolet College. Jean was first employed at Webben’s Drug Store as a soda jerk, and spent the majority of her career in the insurance industry before retiring from Estabrooks Insurance Agency in 2006.

She married John “Jack” Mangerson on April 25, 1959, in Rhinelander, and together they celebrated 53 years of marriage. In her free time, Jean enjoyed many hobbies such as cooking, baking, ceramic art, sewing, knitting, crocheting and gardening. She and Jack loved to explore the world together and visited many countries such as Italy, Germany and Thailand. Jean was an avid dog lover, and raised numerous companions throughout the years while loving them as nothing less than members of her family.

Perhaps her most remarkable quality was her tenacious spirit. She continuously redefined the meaning of strength, and exemplified it through her courageous battle with cancer. She never gave up – even as her body gave in. She was lovingly called many nicknames by her family including “The Mom,” “Grandma-ma,” “Grandma Jack,” “Grandma Great,” and “GiGi” to name a few. She was an incomparable role model to family and friends alike, and will be forever remembered for the endless love, vast knowledge, and boundless joy she brought to so many.

Jean was a devoted wife to Jack; an exceptional mother to her four daughters, Tammy (Dave Oliver) Wendt of West Chicago, Ill., Kelly (Rob) Bramm of Rhinelander, Lauri (Darrell) Mussatti of Franklin, and Tracie (Jay) Pettit of San Antonio, Texas; a compassionate grandmother to Richard (Colleen), Alex, Hope, Jessica (Scott), Rebbeca, Megann, Elizabeth, and William; a kindhearted great-grandmother to Jackson, Nicholas, Kaylynn, Chelsea, Alexa, and Matthew; and a loving sister to her identical twin sister Joan (Norm Knoll) Fannin of Argonne, Jane (Richard) Boynton of Necedah, Hugh (Nancy) Bowman of Rhinelander, Virginia (Gary) Grant of Rhinelander, Faye Pauga of Rhinelander, and Vivian Angerer of Slayton, Texas.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents; seven brothers, Stanley Jr., Bruce, Kenneth, Daniel, Alfred, Robert, and Walter (Bud); and three sisters, Helen Bowman, Betty, and Dorothy Di Giacomo.

The family would like to thank the James Beck Cancer Center for their exceptional care over the last 11 years.

A memorial is being established in Jean’s name and can be directed to her family. Services for Jean will be held at a later date. (Carlson Funeral Home)