Jean Ann Gurtner passed July 23, 2026 at the age of 88 at Dove in Rice Lake, WI surrounded by loved ones.

Jean was born on December 02, 1937 in Rice Lake to Paul and Ester Byhre. Jean grew up in Canton, WI, along with her 2 brothers. She was in 4-H as a youth and graduated from Cameron School District in the top 15 of her class.

Jean always had a love for animals (especially her horses), softball, skiing and cooking. She attended college in River Falls receiving her teachers certificate, she also took additional classes at the county campus, while at that same time started her 67 years of being a 4-H volunteer. She taught school at numerous locations in the Rice Lake School District.

Jean married John A Gurtner in 1963 at the Little Brown Church in Iowa. She stopped teaching full time so she could help farm and train horses alongside John and raise their girls. She did continue to substitute teach for a few years.

She dedicated herself to 4-H, Horse Clubs, Youth, Children, Farming, being a Loving Wife and a MOM to so many youth. So many people say “They are one of John and Jeans Kids” and are so very thankful for the effect John & Jean had on their life-not just the horse part, but being a better person part. Jean was inducted into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame in 2024.

Jean always invested into the future of children, whether by being a mentor or helping their future education in the form of scholarships. Since John passed in 2015 Jean has been sponsoring a scholarship for the Cumberland FFA along with other youth donations.

Jean finally got her book "Buster John Allen and his Pony Meg" published early 2026. So she adds Published Author to her achievements.

Jean is survived by her 3 daughters Anna Gurtner, Diana (Dusty) Bazewicz and Janna (Ian) Shotton and 5 grandchildren Dallas Bazewicz, Dana Bazewicz, Morgan Titel, Kyla Shotton and Hayden Shotton and many family and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Robert Byhre and John (Jack) Byhre and her beloved husband John Gurtner.

Funeral services will be at 11 AM Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Cumberland. Visitation will from 4-7 PM Friday, July 31, 2026, at Skinner Funeral Home in Cumberland and one hour before the service.

Last Update: Jul 27, 2026 10:16 am CDT