Dr. Jean Ann Setterstrom

Born in Merrill, Wisconsin on December 23, 1945, Jean Ann was the daughter of the late Claude M. Setterstrom and Dorothy M. Setterstrom of St. Albans, WVA. In addition to her parents, Jean Ann is preceded in death by her brother, William Rier Setterstrom.

Jean was graduate of Marshall University (B.S. Science; 1967), West Virginia University (Masters in Microbiology; 1970), and Catholic University of America (PhD Microbiology; 1975).

Jean worked as a civilian microbiologist scientist for USAIDR (U.S. Department of Defense). She served as the Research Director for the dental detachment at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC. Her research included the development of microencapsulated antibiotics, drugs, and vaccines that supported a sustained release pharmaceutical technology. Her work yielded numerous U.S. patents and contributed to advancements in battlefield medicine and wound care for American soldiers. One career highlight includes having her research experiments conducted on Space Shuttle Discovery’s 19th flight mission in 1994.

Jean retired on September 30, 1996 after 20 years of service with the US Department of Defense. She retired to Milton, Georgia where she lived for 27 years prior to moving to Jacksonville, Florida in 2023.

Jean was a great traveler. She traveled extensively around the USA for work lecturing and presenting her work. Many times, with her family in tow. In retirement, she achieved Four Star Mariner status with husband Herb on Holland America Cruise Lines. She also traveled extensively around Europe and the Caribbean with her family and enjoyed researching genealogy and finding distant relatives in Sweden and Norway.

She was an amazing mother to Brian and Susan. She was also an animal lover and dedicated dog and horse owner. She shared her love of animals with her daughter, Susan, and supported Susan’s enthusiasm for equestrian sports.

Jean is survived by her husband, Dr. Herbert W. Witte, Jr., (Jacksonville) son Brian Setterstrom Witte, (Annapolis, Md) and daughter Susan Witte Setterstrom (Brian McGill) (Milton, Georgia). Jean is also survived by two grandchildren, Claire Setterstrom McGill (8) and James Setterstrom McGill (4).

Celebration of Jean’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home with Celebrant HR Whittington presiding. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Gathering of family and friends will be from 10 until time of service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in remembrance of Jean can be made to Paw Project of Georgia, pawprojectofgeorgia.gov. The Setterstrom/McGill family adopted their beloved dog, Ted, from this great organization in 2023.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.tylermountainfuneralhome.com