Jean Catherine Labuhn
February 28, 1936 - June 10, 2018
Obituary
MADISON-Jean Catherine (Knieper) Labuhn, age 82, passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2018 in Madison. She was born on Feb. 28, 1936 in Flushing, Michigan, the daughter of William and Josephine (Bueche) Knieper. Jean obtained her bachelor’s degree at University of Michigan at Flint, and her master’s degree at Xavier University in Ohio. She greatly enjoyed her career teaching elementary and then middle school language arts in Upper Arlington, Ohio. A lifelong learner, she read voraciously and participated in local adult education classes on such diverse topics as Islam, poetry and racial bias until the end of her life. She was also an avid theater fan and enjoyed attending the Madison Opera and Forward Theater with her daughter, Rachel. Jean was vivacious and outgoing, with many friends and an active social life. She loved fine French antiques, European sports cars, and fashion. When requesting that her family bring her earrings to the hospital a few weeks before her death, she stated, “You can never be too sick to be fashionable!” She particularly enjoyed travel and held special memories of her trips to Turkey, Egypt, Europe and Thailand, in particular. Her most defining characteristics, however, were her kindness, generosity, and her devotion to her children and grandchildren. She was fiercely proud of them and their accomplishments. Jean is survived by her son, Michael (Dianne) Bennett; daughter, Rachel (Daniel) Bennett; grandchildren, Sarah Bennett and Susannah Bennett; and her siblings, Wayne (Anita) Knieper, Janet (Gary) Young, and William (Marlene) Knieper. She was preceded in death by her parents. A Memorial Gathering will be held in Flushing, Michigan in the fall. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com.
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Memories
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Kathy Preston
Other •
Dear Michael and Rachael and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Jean and I shared many conversations about literature and poetry while she taught at Jones. She always had a smile and a kind hello. She truly had a sense of fashion and is the ONLY person I know who could actually wear orange. She spoke often of you and was so proud of you both
God bless you and keep you.
Kathy Preston
Jones Middle School
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Diane Haddad
Other •
I am so sorry for your loss. Jean and I were colleagues in the Upper Arlington Schools. She often talked to me about how proud she was of Rachel studying piano with my father. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane Haddad
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Bill Grant
Other •
So many fine memories of Jean, especially sharing her lovely home in UA for gatherings of
CAFE SOCIETY. A very close friend that shared many stories with me. One who made a
difference in people’s lives with her enthusiasm for everything—-well almost. She will be
missed by many.
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Sandy Murray
Other •
Jean was a lady with style! It was a joy to work with her at Jones Middle School in 6th grade language arts.. She had a wealth of knowledge about literature as well as poetry, and she challenged students to give their best effort. Her energy and enthusiasm were inspiring and there was always stimulating conversation, often about Rachel and Michael. Jean was famous at school potlucks for bringing her fabulous NY cheesecake!
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David Evans
Other •
We are so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. I have many great memories from working with her at Jones Middle School. Our thoughts and prayers are with her entire family. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Nancy and David Evans
Upper Arlington, Ohio
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Gordon M. Labuhn
Other •
I'm so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. She was a good mother to Rachel and Michael, an excellent teacher who individualized with every student, and was able to gracefully make guests instantly feel as comfortable as members of the family. Jean's gifts of knowledge and decorum will live on in everyone that had the good fortune to know her for even a short time. She will be missed by those who have known and love her.