//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01f/152511/152511-00.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01f/152511/152511-00.jpgLife Story / Obituary
Jean Marie Kilby
June 26, 1955 – August 20, 2026
Jean Marie Kilby, age 71, passed away peacefully on Thursday August 20, 2026 at Villa at Lincoln Park Nursing Home in Racine, WI. Born on June 26, 1955, she graduated from Washington Park High School , Racine, WI. After school she pursued a career in cosmetology and was the owner and operator of Salon West in Racine for many years. Jean loved her clients and many became life-long friends. She continued working right up until her recent health battles.
Jean was preceded in death by her mother, Lois Kilby (Kenny Nelson), her sister, Joyce, and brother-in-law, John Rinta. Maternal Grandmother, Marie Herzog Kammerait with whom she had a very special bond. She was also preceded in death by numerous close aunts and uncles; and cousin, John Sonnen.
Jean is survived by her great-nephew, Reed Rinta, his mother Alicia Balistreri-Svendsen (Tom) and by other close relatives and many friends, including Karin (Craig) Johnson, Judy Kammerait Puls (Rob Walejko), Debbie (Russ) Lauer, and Diane (Bob) Kay. She held a special place in her heart for her dear friend Jim Daye from Wautoma and his niece Sara Daye Bargaer, Wild Rose. Many of her happiest days were spent at her cottage on Silver Lake in Wautoma, Wisconsin.
Over the past year and eight months Jean received continuous care both at Ascension All Saints Hospital and at Lincoln Park Nursing Home. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who so warmly cared for Jean during the past year and a half including the kind people of Compassus Care Hospice and with special gratitude to her cousin Diane Kay, who visited her often thru out her illness and for all the help Jean received both at home and in the nursing home from Lisa, Reed's mom. Jean was very, very proud of and spoke often of her great-nephew, Reed Rinta.
Maresh-Meredith Funeral Home is helping the family. Private services will be held with internment at Graceland Cemetery in Racine. Memories and condolences may be sent in her name directly to the funeral home.