Carol G. Jeske

It is with great sorrow that my sister and I announce the death of our loving mother, Carol (Kay) Jeske on May 20th, 2021, she was 84 years old. She was the daughter of Clarence and Lenora (Musser) Hopkins, and entered this world on December 15th, 1936 in Bay City Michigan. Her aunt was given the privilege of naming her, and she named our mother after the beautiful Christmas carols that are sung annually and she embodied the spirit of the season. It was her favorite time of the year.

For those of us that are left behind, we will cherish her memory forever. My sister Carrie Jeske Pennicooke and I, Jan Jeske will hold dear the mother that always put her family first, and with our father made us the people that we are today. Her two grandsons Warren and Joseph (Jae) Pennicooke who she believed "hung the moon" were the loves of her life. Her brother in-law Fredrick Jeske and his wife, Kathryn, their two sons Jody M. Jeske, his wife Rachelle and Michael Jeske. Freddy was the person that our mother wanted to call when she wanted to break out of the hospital, she loved him and his family dearly. Her four sisters, Marion, Gloria, Dorothy, and Charlotte. Her beloved beach family, Kim Whaley and Scott Healy who she viewed as one of her own, and to many other friends and family members too numerous to mention.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 65 years, Joseph A. Jeske, her son Joseph Clarence Jeske, and her brother Donald (Sonny) Hopkins.

Kay was a stay-at-home mom that took the responsibility of the home and raising her children. She was the homeroom mother for both of our classrooms when we were in elementary school. She made special treats for all of the holidays for both of our classrooms, and one of the most popular were her annual carmel apples. Our classmates loved them! She also kept herself busy taking us to brownies or girl scouts, swim lessons, snowmobiling, camping or skiing.

Kay loved to cheer on the Detroit Tigers and Lions along with Joe. She was also a big fan of the Michigan Football team, and the Redwings. She loved to watch her grandsons play hockey or perform on the stage. She took great joy in making her annual Christmas candies, which were made with love for all of those that received them. For those of us that had the pleasure of having this loving person in our lives the world has become a little less bright.

A special thanks to the staff of the University of Michigan Hospital that gave her 13 additional years of life after being diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Marchena and staff at DeVita Dialysis who treated her weekly. Dr Dandamudi and Dr. Ali at McLaren Bay Regional Hospital who put the wellbeing of her first and foremost. Finally, to the nurses on the 3rd and 5th floors at McLaren, our family could not have asked for more professional and caring people to look after our mother in her final days. You are truly angels on earth and we thank you.

A memorial service will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Gephart Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Fr. Robert Kelm. Friends may visit at the Gephart Funeral Home on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service. We are currently still under the governor's executive order of social distancing and limited to 25 visitors in the chapel at one time. You may experience a wait while paying your respects, face coverings must be worn by non-vaccinated individuals. Contributions may be made to wishes of the family.