Jeannie Ann Bouvat-Gudgeon

Sadly, our beloved, Jeannie Ann Bouvat-Gudgeon, of Rothschild, WI, passed away in her home due to complications related to Alzheimer’s on Monday, January 6, 2025.  She was 82 years old.  Jeannie was known for her positivity, warmth, generosity, and her undeniably loving spirit.  She was  born on August 22, 1942, to the late Norman and Velma (Lauderdale) Bouvat in Marquette, MI, but was raised by her treasured grandparents, the late John and Anastasia (Kopanski) Bouvat.

In 1960, Jeannie received her high school diploma from Wausau. She met her true love, Charles Gudgeon, who was an intern at Marathon Electric while she was working as a secretary. On December 19, 1964, they were married. Charles started working as a mechanical engineer at Owens-Illinois in Tomahawk. Throughout their many years in Tomahawk, she was always honored to be his wife, raise their children, and participate in community service. After Charles was sent to Lufkin, TX, then Jasper, TX, from 1975 and 1978, did they briefly leave Tomahawk.  Charles and Jeannie were happily devoted to each other for 53 years before Charles passed in 2018.

Raising her two children, whom she considered her pride and joy, as well as the children from the generations that followed, was one of Jeannie's greatest achievements. It has been described that Jeannie “lived life out loud”.  Nothing could be truer.  She had a great sense of humor and was always very upbeat.  This was evident in her writing abilities. She enjoyed writing, and her stories and poetry have been published. However, she was most proud of the plays she wrote for churches and other community events, as well as the pieces that appeared in the Tomahawk Leader. She worked as a realtor, enjoyed continuing her education, and spent many years as a tech at the neighborhood veterinary clinic. She made many connections in Merrill while working for the bank and also when working at the Annex in Tomahawk.  She also loved flying with her husband, who was a pilot. Their dream home on the lake was always a place of solace and peace for the entire family.  Many memories were made there.  She loved football, hockey, singing, dancing, and her dogs. She loved to travel, and she and a few of her closest friends went on some incredible adventures.  Her last trip was spent in Napa with her daughter, granddaughter, granddaughter-in-law, and niece drinking wine and enjoying each other.  She made many lasting friendships with the members of bridge group, as well.  She truly made the most of her existence.

Additionally, she recognized her obligations to the community, and Jeannie has engaged in community service all of her life. She was a Girl Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, and longtime Christian worker for Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk. She also volunteered with the 4H Drama group when her children were younger and provided her talents for the Ms. Northwoods pageants. Most recently, she served on the steering committee and as secretary for Tomahawk Area Interfaith Volunteers, as well as volunteering for the Historical Society.

She will be lovingly remembered by those she left behind which includes her daughter, Marie Davis, Marie’s husband, Steve, and their five children, Anastacia (Heather) Marincel, Benjamin Haring, Reilly (Paige) Davis, Nicole Elsholtz, and Matt Davis; and her son, Bryan Gudgeon.  She is furthered survived by her great-grandchildren, Eric Soderlund, Elaine Soderlund, and Alexis Elsholtz; her sisters, Bonnie and Norma; and her brothers, Mervin and Michael.  Jeannie is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She is joined in rest by her husband, Charles; her mother-in-law, Elaine Gudgeon; her sisters, Barbara and Cindy; her brother, Wayne; and her brother-in-law, Mark. 

Jeannie will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  Her loss is deeply felt by her family and all those who loved her.  Both blood and heart ties were part of her family. Jeannie was loved and did love many people, and her effect was as deep as it was wide.  Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched.  The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time.  May she rest in eternal peace.

A celebration of Jeannie's life will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Generations Funeral Home.  Pastor Julie Sinkula will officiate.  The family will receive friends for visitation from 12:00 PM until the time of services at 2:00 PM.  Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.  You may view Jeannie’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.