Obituary of Jean Audrey LaPitz

Jean Audrey LaPitz died on April 20th at the age of 78.

Jean was born to Arthur and Edythe Keske in Minneapolis, MN on March 31, 1945.  She grew up the youngest of three children in south Minneapolis and other than a short stint in Georgia, Jean lived her entire life in and around Minneapolis.  She spent her career in accounting, most recently prior to retirement at the Independent School District 196 office, often volunteering to manage the voting process in support of referendums to improve schools.  She also leveraged her finance skills volunteering to prepare taxes for senior citizens.

Jean epitomized motherhood – raising her three children and subsequently very involved with her five grandchildren.  She would jump into action to help in any way she could – babysitting grandchildren, helping to train pets, cheerleading from the sidelines in a loud and proud voice.  She enjoyed reading, swimming, sewing and crocheting – making many afghans that grace her children and grandchildren’s beds.  She was a loyal and caring friend, consistently running errands, and playing Rummikub, cribbage or almost any game with anyone who needed companionship.  Jean was a lifelong supporter of local sports teams having held season tickets to the Vikings at the old Met stadium, watching every game of the high school boys hockey tournament each year and cheering her beloved Gophers in hockey and basketball.

Jean is survived by her daughters Michelle (Christopher Frank) and Danielle (Greg Buland) and son Jack (Melanie Zaelich).  Grandchildren Alexander & Lauren Frank, Jared & Sean Buland and Elsie Zaelich.

A funeral reception will be held on Saturday May 13th, at Risor of Apple Valley, 15380 Garrett Ave from 11 AM to 1 PM.