Jeanne M Ciolkosz

Jeanne Marie (Belke) Ciolkosz was born on February 26, 1940 to Wilbert and Katheryn (Herbner) Belke, in Sparta, WI. She passed away with Roger by her side on September 17, 2025 at Rolling Hills apartments after a lengthy illness. Jeanne was one of five children, and grew up on the family farm in Big Creek. The family later moved into the city of Sparta. Jeanne graduated from Sparta High School in 1957.

After high school, she worked for the Monroe County Telephone Company and Production Credit. In 1965, she married Roger Ciolkosz at St. Patrick’s Church; and for the rest her life she had to spell her last name. In 1966, she began her career at Fort McCoy and retired 30 years later as a supply specialist in the logistics department. She and Roger retired in 1996 to their lake home in Chetek, WI.

Roger and Jeanne later moved to Cadott, WI, building a home on the local golf course. They moved back to Sparta in 2017 to be closer to family and friends.

Jeanne was a kind and happy soul. She lived life to the fullest embracing her faith, family and friends. Roger and Jeanne celebrated 60 years of marriage this past year. They enjoyed many wonderful trips, the great outdoors, golf, snowmobiling and spending time with family and friends. She was a great cook and was famous for her spaghetti, coleslaw and chocolate chip cookies. She always had a smile and welcome for you.

Although Jeanne and Roger did not have any children, she loved children, especially all of her nieces and nephews. After purchasing a cabin up north with their special friends, Bobby and Karen James, the Ciolkosz’ adopted the five James kids as their own. She loved all holidays, especially Christmas, with a yard full of decorations and lights. The inside of the house was just as beautiful as the outside with multiple Christmas trees and a large Christmas village. Jeanne also loved flowers and always had the best display of colorful flowers in the neighborhood. She liked to golf, play cards, shopping and traveling, especially if gambling was involved to Las Vegas and Wendover. You wanted Jeanne on your best-ball golf team as she was a great chipper and putter.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert and Katheryn Belke; sisters, Peggy Schamens, Ruth Burkwalt and Maribeth Schamens; brothers-in-law, Tom Schamens and Jerry Burkwalt; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Belke; nephew Stan Ciolkosz and good friend Bobby James.

She is survived by her husband Roger (William); brother, Jerry Belke; nieces and nephews; Dennis Belke, Debbie Lamb, Gerald Belke Jr., Mary Marino, John Belke, Donna Van Beringer, Dann Schamens (Holly), Scott Schamens (Kim), Jeff Schamens (Bobbie), Joni Perron (Kevin) and Jimmy Ciolkosz (Lisa); brother-in-law and sister-in- law Art and Aggie Ciolkosz; special friend and caregiver, Julie Geier (Paul); and the rest of the James family, Karen James, Kathy James, Rob James (Sue), Jeri James, and Mike James (Steph); and many great nieces and nephews and good friends.

The family extends sincere thanks to special neighbors Tom and Jill Vian for all the help and support they have provided over the years and to the staff at Rolling Hills for their care and compassion.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday October 2, 2025 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Sparta with a luncheon following in the church basement.

A Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Thursday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Patrick’s Church or St. Patrick’s School, Sparta. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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