Community Remembers Jean Sumner After Her Passing at 72

Jean Marie (Bee) Sumner passed away on October 24, 2025, at her home in Rockport, Texas, after a long battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. She was 72 years old and is remembered for her warmth and vibrant spirit.

Born on December 21, 1952, in Plum City, Wisconsin, Jean was the daughter of Kenny and Pat Bee. She spent her childhood in Embarrass, Minnesota, where she graduated from Virginia High School in 1971. Her academic journey continued at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she earned a Bachelor of Accounting degree in 1981. Following her education, Jean worked at Wells Fargo until her retirement in 2006.

Jean’s life was marked by her love for travel, particularly with her husband, Steve Sumner, whom she married on February 14, 1987, in Duluth. The couple enjoyed exploring various destinations, including extended stays in Mexico and the Caribbean. In recent years, they spent winters in Yuma, Arizona, and Jean purchased a home in Rockport, Texas, last winter. Summers were often spent back in her hometown of Embarrass.

She is survived by her daughters, Leslie (Brad) Brunfelt of Duluth, Minnesota; Kristen (John) Peek of Orlando, Florida; and Amy (Dennis) Christopherson of Arkansaw, Wisconsin. Jean also leaves behind her stepson, Jason Sumner; bonus daughter, Julie Sumner; and a cherished group of grandchildren, including Emily and Sydney Hanna, Ben and Aaron Fulford, Tabitha (Cody) Strzyzykowski, Matthew Sumner, Miranda, Robert, and Alice Christopherson. Additionally, she was a proud great-grandmother to Elizabeth and Mackenzie Strzyzykowski.

Jean is also survived by her siblings, Linda (Duane) Henry of Lacey, Washington; Ann Lamppa of Virginia, Minnesota; Jodi (Perry) Kronenbush of Rochester, Minnesota; and Chuck (Patty) Bee of Tower, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, her husband of 34 years, Steve Sumner; her son, Travis Nevala; and her brother-in-law, Lon Lamppa.

A celebration of Jean’s life is scheduled for November 19, 2025, at Timber Hall in Embarrass, Minnesota, starting at 11:00 a.m.. Family and friends are invited to share their condolences and photographs online at charliemarshallfuneralhomes.com.

Jean Sumner’s passing leaves a significant void in the lives of those who knew her, but her legacy of love, adventure, and family will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives.