Jean A. Wakeland

Jean A. Wakeland, 80, a Marshall County resident since 1938, coming from Idaville, Ind., died at his residence, 1260 Jarrah Rd., Bremen, under the loving care of his family and the Marshall County Hospice.  Jean had suffered a lengthy cancer-related illness.  He died at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2001.

Born May 18, 1920, in Idaville, Carroll County, Ind., he was the son of Walter Earl and Bessie Mae Mummert Wakeland.  He graduated in 1938 from Adams Township High School in Carroll County.

Jean served his country in the United States Army during World War II.  A decorated soldier, he was awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 363, LaPaz.

On June 7, 1941, in Rochester, Ind., he and Pauline E. Harvey were married.

From 1946 until 1957, Jean was an Indiana Motor Bus driver.  The company recognized his skills and commended him for his excellence in driving over two million miles with no citations or accidents.  Driving was his hobby and he did it well.

For five years, from 1957 to 1962, Jean worked for Schlosser Brothers and then, for the next 21 years, operated his own Marathon Oil Distributorship.  He retired in 1983, but kept busy for the next 13 years delivering R.V.’s across the country for Gulf Stream of Nappanee.  Always together, he and Pauline enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Avon Park, Florida, for over 23 years.

Jean is survived by Pauline, his wife of nearly sixty years, their son, Michael W. and Linda Wakeland, Elkhart, and their daughter Rhonda L. and Richard Triplet, Bremen.

Two grandsons, Dean Triplet, Bremen and Nathan Wakeland, Elkhart and Ashley Brooke Wakeland, a granddaughter, also of Elkhart, survive as well, together with two brothers, Harold and Margaret Wakeland, Rochester and the Rev. Lewis and Mary Lou Wakeland, Tehachapi, Calif.

Jean was preceded in death by his parents, a brother,  Mearl Wakeland and a sister, Opal Wakeland.

Visitation with the family will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2001, in the First United Church of Christ, 321 N. Center Street, Plymouth, where Jean was a member for over forty years.

Funeral services will follow visitation at 11 a.m. in the church.  The Rev. Drs. David Moffett-Moore and Ronald Liechty will officiate.

Graveside services in honor of his military service will be conducted by the VFW Post 1162 in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.

Memorial gifts in Jean’s memory may be made to the Marshall County Cancer Association, the church or the Disabled American Veterans organization.