Jean Dohnal, the wife Bob Dohnal, and co-founder of the Wisconsin Conservative Digest has passed away.
Jean was a pillar in the Wisconsin conservative movement for the past several decades. She could always be seen at Bob’s side at many Wisconsin Conservative Digest events, including their iconic Chicken Burn, which was always held at their home.
In fact, Bob has always said that it was Jean who came up with all of their good ideas! Knowing Jean, I believe it!
I am going to dispense with my normal humor and speak plainly for a moment.
She may have been quiet, but as a teacher, she always had a passion for making sure kids could get a solid education.
I will miss that effervescent smile and personality. She had a warming spirit and was willing to talk with anybody. Even though we were not related, she always treated me and everyone else like family.
Speaking of family, nothing is a better monument to her life than her amazing family. Her children and grandchildren are her crowning achievement and a sign of how strong of a foundation Jean built.
Of course there’s her love for her feisty and passionate husband, Bob. Watching them interact over the past few years always managed to put a smile on my face. Truly a love to span the test of time.
I was brought up, Greek Orthodox, and in our tradition, we believe that a person never truly dies as long as all of the lives they have touched live on. In Jean’s case, I am certain she will continue to live on in all of us for a long time.
She truly honored us by the manner in which she lived her life.
As I was writing this, I was reminded of a speech from another Conservative Icon, Ronald Reagan.
“We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and “slipped the surly bonds of earth” to “touch the face of God.”
God’s speed Jean Dohnal, may your memory be eternal.
