Remembering Jean Sumner: A Life of Love and Adventure

Jean Marie (Bee) Sumner passed away on October 24, 2025, at her residence in Rockport, Texas, after a prolonged battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Her family confirmed that she is now at peace following years of courageously facing her illness.

Born on December 21, 1952, in Plum City, Wisconsin, Jean was the daughter of Kenny and Pat Bee. She spent her formative years in Embarrass, Minnesota, where she graduated from Virginia High School in 1971. In a significant life milestone, she married Steve Sumner on February 14, 1987, in Duluth, establishing a partnership that would last for over three decades.

Jean pursued her education at the University of Minnesota Duluth, earning her Bachelor of Accounting in 1981. She dedicated her professional life to Wells Fargo, where she worked until her retirement in 2006. After retiring, she relocated to The Villages, Florida, where she continued to enjoy life to the fullest.

Travel was a passion for Jean and Steve. The couple spent numerous weeks exploring destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. In recent years, she spent winters in Yuma, Arizona, and purchased a home in Rockport, Texas, while returning to Embarrass during the summer months.

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

Jean’s 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, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also cherish her memory. Her partner, Bob Schroeder, and her beloved dog, Sassy, are among those mourning her loss.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law, her husband of 34 years, Steve Sumner, her son Travis Nevala, and her brother-in-law, Lon Lamppa.

A celebration of Jean’s life will take place at Timber Hall in Embarrass, Minnesota, on November 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories online at charliemarshallfuneralhomes.com.