Jean was born March 23, 1940 to Norbert and Joyce Kilmer in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin. He has a twin brother and a younger brother and attended Oconto Falls High School. He earned a Bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and a Masters from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. While in Chicago, he met Jackeen Morgan, to whom he was married in 1966, and they had three children.
Jean and Jackeen settled in southern California, where Jean worked as a high school mathematics teacher at Edgwood High School and West Covina High School. Jean was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he fulfilled numerous leadership roles, sang in various choirs and served many community members. For many years, he was the primary caretaker for Jackeen before she passed. He loved nature: he was a keen gardener and hiker and an accomplished birdwatcher. He enjoyed travel and spending time with family.
Jean was known by everyone who knew him for his easy-going nature, his sense of humor, and his generosity of time and spirit. He is survived by his children, Susan, Mark and Alan, and his five grandchildren.
A visitation at church for Jean will be held Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2120 Valencia Street, Rowland Heights 91748-4037. A funeral service will occur Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 2120 Valencia Street, Rowland Heights 91748-4037. A graveside service will occur Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601.
Jean will be laid to rest in Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601; Monte Vista Terrace; Gate: 1, Section: 2, Lot: 821, Grave: 2.
