BLACK EARTH / MIDDLETON - Jeane M. Stites, age 99, passed peacefully on January 23, 2026. She was born in Henry, Ill., on March 16, 1926, to Rudolph and Bess (Clarence) Sorchych. She grew up in DePue, Ill., and graduated from DePue High School in 1944. In April 1945, she married Wilbur D. Stites.

Jeane worked as a stenographer wherever they were living at the time, until the birth of their son in Springfield, Ill., in 1953. Their daughter was born in 1956. Later that year the family moved to Wisconsin, first to Monona, then Siggelkow Road, McFarland; and in 1973, to a small farm between Black Earth and Cross Plains. Wilbur passed in 2009, and several years later, Jeane moved to an apartment in Cross Plains, then in 2021, to Middleton Crossing in Middleton.

In late 1958, she was hired as secretary to the Slaughtering Division’s Superintendent at Oscar Mayer where she remained until early retirement in 1980. She joined the women’s bowling and golf leagues and was a member and past president of the Oscarettes. At retirement, she joined the retirees’ volunteer group READI (Retired Employees Are Dedicated Individuals). She also volunteered at Heartland Country Village, a skilled care facility, and NW Dane Senior Center, both in Black Earth.

In the late 1980’s, she and Wilbur became active in the 8thAir Force veterans’ organizations and traveled extensively to attend meetings in the States and abroad. In 1990, Wilbur suggested the 453rd Bomb Group have a newsletter and became editor. When his health rendered him unable, Jeane took over and served until 2012 when the Group disbanded. Recently Jeane was delighted to learn the entire series has been scanned and donated to the Library of Congress. She holds membership in the Museum of the Mighty 8th Air Force and is a member and past president (90/91) of The Heritage League of the 2nd Air Division.

She traveled often with tour groups on day trips as well as extended ones. She enjoyed two cruises: to Alaska and the Caribbean, where they made short stops in the West Indies and northern South America. She traveled four times to Europe, several times to Canada, and a short foray into Mexico while visiting her brother in Arizona.

Jeane was an avid and accomplished seamstress and made all her own dresses, blouses and slacks for many years. She also enjoyed all kinds of needlework. Wilbur traveled for his work and before they had children, she had long evenings to work on projects. She bought a book and learned to knit. Her first project was Argyle socks! She enjoyed several activities at Middleton Crossing - Scrabble, Five Crowns, Euchre. Kings Corners, Trivia, and of course, reading.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur; her parents; brother, Don Sorchych, of Cave Creek, Ariz.; sister, Betty Quinn Lord, of Henry, Ill.; son-in-law, Larry Bennett; stepmother, Helen Lemler, of Peru, Ill.; stepbrother, Joseph “Buck” Lemler, of Peru, Ill.; three brothers-in-law; two nephews and a niece. Jeane is survived by her son, Will Stites and wife Bonnie Beverstock, Stevens Point; daughter, Linda Bennett (Sean Timmens) of Mazomanie; grandchildren, Ben Stites and Kate Stites, of Madison; sister, Rickey Hunt, of Bainbridge, Wash.; stepsister, Janet Bobbin, of Morristown, N.J.; eight beloved nieces and five nephews.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate care for Jeane, as well as the staff at Maplewood of Sauk City for the brief time that she was there.

Jeane was loved by everyone who met her. The phrase, “To know her was to love her”, truly describes her. She touched so many lives and was a true friend to both family members and acquaintances.

A Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Jeane Marie Stites

March 16, 1926 - January 23, 2026

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