Margaret Desotelle

Margaret Jeanne Desotelle, formerly of Fish Creek, passed away early Saturday morning, February 20, 2021, at Cedar Grove Gardens. She was 89 years old.

Margaret “Jeanne” was born on September 13, 1931, in Fish Creek to Oscar and Karen Margaret (Gunnerson) Reinhard. She graduated from Gibraltar High School in 1947, earned her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Marion College in Fond du Lac, and later went on to earn her Masters Degree in Library Science from UW-Milwaukee. For many years, she worked for the Door County Library System, retiring in 1997 after serving as the Director for 10 years.

On October 14, 1950, Jeanne was united in marriage with Guy Desotelle at the formerly named Zion UEB Church in Fish Creek.  The two celebrated 52 years together He preceded her in death in 2002.

Jeanne was a longtime, active member of Zion United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher, ran Vacation Bible School, was involved with the United Methodist Woman, and enjoyed attending church social gatherings, especially the church potlucks. She regularly volunteered her time as a reading tutor for children and as an ESL tutor for new immigrants to the United States. When her children were young, she was involved with their schooling and hobbies, including PTA, Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts and attending all their performances. She loved putting together yearly scrapbooks and photo calendars, traveling, and feeding the birds. She was the best grandmother, always proudly attending her grandchildren’s school and sporting events, having them stay with her during VBS, taking many of them to Washington Island, the birthplace of her mother, and creating lifelong, cherished memories. Her warm heart and caring spirit made all feel loved and a part of her extended family.

Jeanne is survived by six children: Karen Desotelle of Cedarburg, Richard (Bonnie) Desotelle of Milwaukee, Robert (LuAnn) Desotelle of Sturgeon Bay, Kristine (Craig) Schaubs of Cedarburg, Todd Desotelle of Fish Creek and Timothy (Anne) Desotelle of Milwaukee. She is further survived by 14 grandchildren: Emily, Leila (Ravi), Melanie (Will), Kevin (Carrie), Alison (Andrew), Andrea (Mike), Tyler (Barb), Robert (Kate), Jacob, Michaela (Clint), Kiana (Vince), Mareah (Creston), Erik (Courtney) and Genevieve (Regan); 12 great-grandchildren; sister Janet Purvis of Florida; sisters-in-law Michelle Reinhard of Florida and Marcella Desotelle of Egg Harbor; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Guy, her son Ronald (Paula) Desotelle, siblings Robert (Ethel) Reinhard, Joanne (Joe) Black and Russell Reinhard and brother-in-law Arden Purvis.

Private family memorial services will be held, and at a later date, Jeanne will be laid to rest beside Guy at the former Reinhard Family Cemetery adjacent  to Zion United Methodist Church in Fish Creek. All will be welcome to a celebration of her life to be held during late summer or early fall in Door County.

Jeanne's family offers thanks and is especially grateful for the loving care provided to her by the staff of Cedar Grove Gardens 2 and the Aurora Hospice staff. These individuals worked under extremely difficult circumstances this past year but consistently provided professional and personalized care.

A memorial fund is being established in her name for Zion United Methodist Church, PO Box 344, Fish Creek, WI, 54212.

For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com.

The Desotelle Family is grateful to the Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) for their assistance in these arrangements.