Jean M Gillette

Jean M Gillette

January 04, 1944 - June 03, 2026

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Obituary

MADISON- Jean M. Leske Gillette, age 82, passed away peacefully the morning of Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Agrace HospiceCare after a battle with ovarian cancer.  She was born on January 4, 1944, in Madison, the fourth daughter of Edmund and Jane (Mickey) Braun.


Jean was married to John Leske for 34 years. He passed away in 1996. Approximately nine years later, she married a former classmate, Paul Gillette, whom she met in first grade. Jean and Paul were married for 18 years.


Jean and John operated Leske’s Liquor Locker for 19 years and Arctic Ice for five years. After retiring from being a business owner in 2000, she attended Nicolet College to attain a CNA degree, and she worked in a nursing home for five years. After she retired from nursing, she enjoyed many days of fishing, spending time with friends and family at her cabin.


Jean is survived by her three children, Robert (Jelena) Leske, Thomas (Jean) Leske and Christine  (Jim) Schuster; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Beverly Miller, Barbara Niemann, Richard (Jane) Braun, James Braun, Shirley (Mark) Herkert, Sharon (John) Bartosch, Jacqueline Braun, Michael Braun and Terrance (Jeanne) Braun; and in-laws, Melford Frydenlund, Patricia Infusino-Braun and Diane Braun. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Jane Braun; first husband, John Leske; siblings, Patricia Frydenlund, Judith Grudzina, Joseph Braun and Bernard Braun; and brothers-in-law, Martin Miller and Dave Niemann.


A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.


A special thank you to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate care of Jean.


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


Gunderson East

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



Events

15
Visitation
Mon Jun 15, 2026 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
15
Funeral Service
Mon Jun 15, 2026 @ 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
15
Graveside Service
Mon Jun 15, 2026 @ 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Roselawn Memorial Park • 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI 53716
Get Directions

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Memories

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Jean
AG
A Memorial Tree was planted for Jean M. Leske Gillette
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
K
Kelly
Other •
Spent a lot of my childhood at the Leske's homes. I treasure the memories and will miss you Jean. Also miss you and my mom gossiping about anything and everything!
SH
Shirley Herkert
Other •
We miss you more than words can express. Rest in peace sweet sister. Love, Shirley and Mark
JB
Jeanne Braun
Other •
I was blessed to have Jean as my sister-in-law. She was very kind to me, even before I married her brother Terry. I always felt welcome at her home at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Thank you for the memories. God bless you Jean. Jeanne
S
Sharon
Other •
No matter where you lived, Jean. Whether on Sethne Court, Montello,( all of those Easter egg hunts) Sun Prairie, Minnesota and Presque Isle- you always were so welcoming for everyone. John loved to visit you when he was in Boulder Junction. You are greatly missed. Lots of memories!🥰😍
MR
Meredith Ring
Other •
I'm saddened to hear this news!.. I met Jean in the 5th grade n we became friends!.. We had a lot of adventures n fun times!.. One time that had us both laughing was when I stayed overnight n her dad was plowing a field n told us to sit on the plow for extra weight, so we did..well he took off so fast that I went head over heals off the plow n landed in the dirt!.. I got back on as Jean was Laughing n said "I forgot to warn you to hold on"..lol.. I will miss her but will always remember her..we saw each other at Class Reunion but that's about the only time.. It's sad how life takes us in different directions n we lose track of each other.. My Deepest Sympathy to all of her Family.. With my love, Meredith Ring..

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