Jean Ann Schutte

Jean Ann Schutte, age 90 of Warren, passed away peacefully at home on May 31, 2020 under the care of her dear friend, Diane and the angels from Hospice of Michigan. Jean was born February 21, 1930 in Franklin, Kansas, daughter of the late Albert and the late Anna (nee: Widmar) Weichel.

Jean Ann Schutte was the only child of Albert and Anna Weichel and spent her early years on a small farm in Kansas. After her family moved to Detroit, she continued to develop her many talents. In her early teen years, she began publicly performing on the accordion. Jeannie also spent many years honing her skills as an artistic roller skater. While retirement is often viewed as a time to embrace a slower pace of life, Jeannie used it as an opportunity to truly blossom. Over the years, she became involved in jazz, tap, hula, ballroom, belly, and square dancing. In addition, Jeannie cultivated her special passion for singing. Jeannie's zest for life and spunky spirit really shone through when she performed her signature songs such as, "Powder Your Face With Sunshine," “Let Me Entertain You,” “It Had To Be You,” and “Me and My Shadow.”

Ever the sassy songbird, Jeannie was an active member of the Warren Singing Sensations, Heart of the Hills Players and People Making A Difference, as well as several choral groups. She gave of her time and talents to entertain at venues from large theaters to senior living centers.  A self-certified Hug Therapist, Jeannie was always sharing her warm affection with everyone around her --friends and strangers alike.

Jeannie also performed as a semi-professional clown. Her various characters Bubbles, Domenique, Splashes, and RaggMopp spread levity at shopping malls, retirement/nursing homes, private parties, local parades, political rallies, and convention halls. In 1980, she was the big winner of the Michigan State Fair clown competition. She later attended the Clown School of San Francisco and took part in “The Tuscany Project,” an international theatre and movement workshop in Italy. Her charitable clown heart led her to volunteer at many fundraising events for several organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan and Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit.

Jeannie was a finalist in the Ms. Senior Michigan, Ms. Senior Florida, and Ms. Senior Sweetheart pageants. She enjoyed reading, bowling, golf, bocce ball, gardening, and camping. As a member of the Nomads Travel Club, Jeannie fostered her love of traveling; her adventurous journeys took her around the world twice. But with her fondness for animals, Jeannie's favorite destination was the Galapagos Islands.

In her later years, she joined the flock of northern snowbirds, savoring winters with special friends in Zephyrhills, FL where she owned a mobile home. She even had a short stint working as a train tour guide at Bush Gardens in Tampa -- an easy, fun gig for a natural people person.  This little redhead was also very involved with the Red Hat Society in both Michigan and Florida.

Her strong constitution was based on a mighty faith in God.  She attended several churches over the years, but settled down at the Spiritual Life Center in Troy, MI (Unity), and the First Baptist Church in Dade City, Fl.

Everyone who knew Jeannie will remember her feisty, playful, outgoing personality, as well as her strength, resilience, and genuine lust for life. A real spitfire and always on the go, go, go – Jeannie's was a life full of laughing and loving to the MAX!!!  She loved to entertain and bring joy to people.Cerebro-cardiovascular issues lead to a decline in her health since October 2019, but Jeannie rallied and inspired those around her despite these health challenges. In February 2020, her closest friends hosted a grand tribute to Jeannie's long and amazing life. She was surrounded with love and admiration at her milestone 90th birthday bash. Jeannie was thrilled to spend her final months in the comfort of her Warren home, under the tender loving care of her dear friend, Diane Jett.  She has deeply touched so many lives and will remain in our hearts forever.

Jean was the beloved wife of the late Phillip Schutte, and dearest friend of Diane (Sam) Jett and Millie (Rick) Buiteweg. She also leaves behind many special friends in Michigan, Florida, and several other states. 

Memorial donations, in memory of Jean, are welcomed to the Salvation Army-Warren Corps, 24140 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48091,…or to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), 424 E. 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128-6804 (www.aspca.org)

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan.

Please share memories of Jean at her guest book below.