Jill O. Wilczak

HOWELL, Mich. - Jill O. Wilczak of Howell, passed away May 5, 2022, in Ann Arbor at the age of 81.

Born in Ironwood and raised in Erwin Township, Jill was the daughter of the late Hjalmer and Ethel Carlson (Niemi). Jill was the beloved wife of Gene for 52 years, loving mother of Anne, and dear sister to the late Janice Carlson.

A graduate of Gogebic Community College (associate degree), the University of Minnesota (bachelor's degree), and Michigan State University (master's degree), she was a lifelong educator, teaching elementary students in Duluth, Minnesota, and throughout southeast Michigan.

Also a skilled writer, Jill spent a portion of her career working for television stations WJIM (now WLNS) in Lansing and WJBK in Detroit. Her writing continued even after retirement as she maintained a blog and actively posted on Twitter.

Jill was a true Michigan State fan, a longtime member of St. George Lutheran Church in Brighton, and enjoyed traveling back to Ironwood and across the country.

Jill will be missed by her loving family and many extended family and friends she touched with her kindness and humor throughout her life.

Tributes in honor of Jill can be made to the American Heart Association. Please share memories and messages for the family at keehnfuneralhome.com.