Jean Dewalt

Jean Louise Dewalt, 86, of Crystal Lake, IL, died Friday, November 21, 2014 at home surrounded by her family.

She was born on November 29, 1927 to Hudson and Mary Ellen Crissman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Jean devoted her work and volunteer efforts to a lifetime commitment and love for the environment and preservation of land and habitat for animals and birds. She was active in and volunteered for the Sierra Club, The Illinois Audubon Society, The Newport Wilderness Society and The Clearing in Ellison Bay.

She bred and exhibited Collies and Beagles with her daughter Sue for many years. Her kennel, Bonshire Collies, bred over 20 AKC champions. Many lifelong friends were made through this hobby and brought her much happiness. She was a longtime member of the Collie Club of America and the Central States Collie Club. In her final two years she was in the dear loyal company of her Havanese “Doodles” who never left her bedside during the last days of her life.

She spent retirement with her husband Warren, in Sister Bay, Wisconsin. It was in Door County that family and grandchildren arrived regularly, providing one of her greatest joys in life. Her commitment and devotion to her family was unsurpassed. She welcomed all with open arms.

Jean was also a very dedicated Chicago Blackhawks fan, relishing in the excitement of every game. She kept meticulous records of each game and goals scored. It was also a great thrill for her to attend a couple of games at the United Center in Chicago with family.

Jean lived her life with great dignity and in her final days battled cancer with grace and courage.

She was a gift to all who knew her.

Jean is survived by her loving children, Mark (Gail) Dewalt and Sue (Charles) Scheckel; and grandchildren, Jessica Dewalt, Kara Dewalt, Eric Scheckel and Kelsey Scheckel.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Warren Dewalt; grandson, Scott Scheckel; sister, Irene Bauer; brother, Harold Crissman; and her parents.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 11am at Davenport Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (IL Rt. 176); interment will be held in the spring of 2015 at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St., Union Grove, Wisconsin.

Memorials may be made to: The Collie Health Foundation, 827 Bowman Road, Jackson, NJ, 08527-3553, www.colliehealth.org/join.asp.

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