Jean passed away at her home in Butte, Montana at the age of 96.
Norma Jean was born on a small farm near Gladstone, Nebraska to Fred and Adeline (Coopich) Pleis, the fifth of seven children. Her oldest sister pouted that she had ruined a perfect family of two girls and two boys. She was raised in the early years on the farm. As the depression worsened the family moved to Fairbury, Nebraska where she finished her education and graduated from Fairbury High School.
While in high school Jean met her husband Ramon (Ray) Garcia dipping ice cream at the local parlor. They were married on June 10, 1945. They were proud of the new modern home that they built in Fairbury by tearing down an old farm house and using it to rebuild. To this home they welcomed a daughter, Sylvia and son, Craig. Every summer they made sure that a vacation was taken to a new adventure.
Jean worked as a bookkeeper for a doctor’s office for many years after raising her children. Her passion was bowling and playing golf with her husband and friends. She played golf until her late eighties. Jean was very talented in the arts; painting in oil, needle work, quilting, and anything crafty.
After the death of her first husband Jean met and married George Weisel August 10, 1985. She worked beside him in his dental practice for the next ten years. Upon retirement they built a home and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. After George’s death in 2013 she moved to Butte, Montana to be near her daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They were the love of her life and filled her last 8 years with joy, laughs, and entertainment. Jean was a great lady that taught us many things, lived life with gusto, and was loved by all.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, her son Craig Garcia, her son in law John Marcum, her sisters Mavis Loyd, Marjorie Hill, Elva Backer, her brothers Vernon Pleis and Jared Pleis.
Jean is survived by her daughter Sylvia Marcum, granddaughter Michelle Bradley (Christopher), grandson Michael Marcum (Hillary), great grandson Caleb Bradley, great granddaughter Sienna Bradley, brother Wendell Pleis (Gloria) and many nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Jean’s life will be at Aldersgate Methodist Church in Butte, Montana, Thursday August 25, 2022 beginning at 11AM. Memorials are suggested to Aldersgate Methodist Church, Butte Food Bank, or the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Norma.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Norma and her family.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday August 25, 2022
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
1621 Thornton Ave
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday August 25, 2022
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
1621 Thornton Ave
Butte, MT 59701
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Linda WENDLAND says
I have many memories of holidays at your house. I remember us kids always ate in Craigs room. I was always so impressed with all the chess sets he carved. I also remember my Mom telling me about the time I told Aunt Jean that her mashed potatoes were lumpy on Thanksgiving!!! Aunt Jean will always be missed, but there will also be many great memories. Sending love and prayers to all of you.
Jane Scarrow Hansmeyer says
What a wonderful lady! My very best neighbor! I would be gone for hours and Ray and Jean’s! Thank you for including me in your family trips to NE! I looked forward to her Christmas cards and letters every year with impeccable penmanship! Classy lady. Heart of gold. Kind. Jean left the world here a better place because of the way she lived and loved.
Karen Draper Bedlan says
Saddened to hear about Jean’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of all the time spent at the Garcia’s. Jean was always so welcoming. So many fun time times, from making pizzas to playing cards with Craig. Jean always had a beautiful smile on her face. I will miss hearing from her. Rest in peace, Jean.
Doug & Donna Shultz says
What a wonderful lady. We were fortunate to know Jean in several ways. Church member, neighbor, and friend. We always looked forward to seeing her or hearing from her. Heaven will be richer with Jean there.
Susan Yoachim Hungerford says
I have great memories of Jean. She worked with my Dad at the Lynch Clinic for years and I always remember going in and she always greeted us with a hug. Later on we would cross paths at Dental meetings. She was such a kind and positive woman. She will be missed by many.