Wilma "Jean" (Babcock) Breutzman

Wilma “Jean” Breutzman, age 74, of Grand Haven passed away Saturday December 7, 2019 at Robbinswood Assisted Living Community. Jean was born February 24, 1945 in Phoenix, AZ  to Ross and Wilma (Smith) Babcock. 

Upon graduating from high school, she attended Phoenix College and got her first bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. On August 22, 1969 she married Mark Breutzman in Phoenix, Arizona.  She taught English, Spanish, and German in Arizona, Alaska, and Michigan. Jean was passionate about music, and enjoyed singing  in the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus and Anchorage Concert Chorus. She was a lifelong student, taking classes for much of her adult life and earning additional bachelor’s degrees including music and German, and a master’s in college teaching.

She was a devoted fan of the Detroit Tigers. Most of all, Jean was a mother and teacher to her family, passing along her love of learning, music, and cooking.  She was adventuresome and excited to try new things.  She loved to travel, host guests, and share her talents.

Jean  is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Mark, and their children: Mark (Astrid) Breutzman Jr., Elizabeth (Raymund) Mears, Margaret (Jonathan) Kilzer; and 8 grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Ross (Kathy) Babcock, Carol (Mickey) Scoffin, Clara (Hugh) Cawthorne, Karen (Chuck) McDougall; and sister-in-law, Betty (Duane) Layton. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother-in-law, Peter Breutzman.

The family would like to thank the staff at Robbinswood Assisted Living Community for their gentle and patient care, and the wonderful, compassionate people of Spectrum Hospice for the support and much-needed assistance in Jean’s final weeks.

The Funeral Service for Jean will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 12, 2019  at Grace Lutheran Church (2651 Shettler Rd. Muskegon) with Pastor Timothy Winkel officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Klaassen Family Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Rapids Symphony or Alzheimer’s Association.

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