Verna “Jean” Minnick, age 90, of Osceola, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by family Thursday, October 2, 2025.

Jean was born June 6, 1935 in Arlington, Nebraska to parents, John and Vernetta (Mitchell) Lund. During childhood, she owned a special horse named Peanuts. She loved telling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren the story of how she would ride Peanuts to school. In 7th grade, Jean and her family moved to Osceola, Wisconsin where she attended high school. This is where she would meet her future husband, Carroll Minnick. The two graduated together in the class of 1952, and were married soon after on January 15, 1953.

Carroll and Jean purchased a dairy farm in Osceola in 1971, and they spent over 20 years taking care of it. Jean had many chores on the farm. During this time, Carroll and Jean would often travel to show their cattle.

After retirement, they sold the farm and moved to their home on Dwight Lake. The family made many great memories on the lake house: swimming, fishing, and boating. Jean loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was a woman of strong faith and belief in prayer. She loved telling stories, was a very proud Nebraskan native, and before Carroll passed, they spent several years polka dancing with other couples. While in her 70’s, Jean and her daughter, Peggie saddled up and went for a horse ride to remind Jean of her childhood experience and she did great. Jean and her homemade buns will be missed by all those who knew her.

Jean is survived by her children, Peggie (Dennis) Osterbauer, and Robert; grandchildren, Matt (Heather) Osterbauer, Amanda Osterbauer, Tom (Erycca) Osterbauer and Tim (McKenzie) Osterbauer, Jason Minnick, Amy (Troy) Johnson, and Andy Minnick; 15 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband of 45 years, Carroll Minnick; son Ronald; brother Jack Lund; sister Mary Lou Langenback; nephew John Langenback; and special friend, Howard Tandberg.

A graveside service for Jean will be held 10:00 AM Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Bethesda Cemetery in Dresser, WI.

Last Update: Oct 06, 2025 8:37 am CDT