Ilah "Jean" Jackish

Ilah "Jean" Jackish, 90, of Red Wing, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. 

Jean was born on February 24, 1934, to Carl Raymond and Cora Marie (Cummings) Lewis in Rosholt, South Dakota. After graduating as valedictorian of Rushford High School in 1952, she went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education with distinction, and master's degree in business education from the University of Minnesota. 

On June 22, 1957, Jean married Dr. George Jackish, who always considered her the love of his life. The two soulmates were blessed with four children and 66 years of marriage.

Within the Red Wing community, Jean was an avid member of the Art History Club, Women’s Study Club and the Goodhue County Historical Society. She was also an excellent golfer, and won the Women’s Club Championship at the Red Wing Country Club in the 1970s. She loved gardening, birds, playing bridge, boating and spending quality time with friends and family.

Among her greatest passions, Jean loved to travel. She and George crisscrossed the globe for more than 50 years, exploring many fascinating destinations. Some favorite destinations include Machu Picchu, the monasteries of Tibet, Namibia and its elephants, and four trips to China.

Those who knew Jean will likely remember her for her intelligence and grace, flair for fashion, and heart full of love. She was constantly in motion, and passionate about hunting great bargains, deterring pests from her garden, and tackling multiple home projects. She continued to be a lifelong learner with wide and varied interests, whether gaining insight from her travels, Science Museum excursions, books and articles, or educational TV. She especially enjoyed 60 Minutes, Frontline, David Attenborough nature documentaries, Anthony Bourdain, (and the occasional Judge Judy). 

Her dynamic and contagious energy and her sense of humor brought joy to all who crossed her path. Most of all, Jean was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Jean leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by her adoring husband, Dr. George Jackish; children, Jodi Jackish Lewis of Red Wing, Jeri (Richard) Ringold of Eagan, Jeff (Karen) Jackish of Bloomington, and Dr. Jamie Jackish of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Samuel and Sydney Lewis, Natalie, Sophie and Lily Ringold, and Keegan and Aidan Jackish. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Doris Marker.

Private family burial at Oakwood Cemetery.  All who knew Jean and her family are invited to share in a time of rememberance and celebration of her life (open house 5-8p.m.) on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at their home in Red Wing.  

Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or St. Croix Hospice.  Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.