Jeanne (Hinke) Kroeplin

Jeanne (Hinke) Kroeplin, 74, of Marathon, formerly of Wausau, passed away Friday, February 9, 2018 in Orange Beach, Alabama. Jeanne was born December 7, 1943, in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Leon and Florence (Gleisner) Weizenicker. She was the GAA queen and a 1961 graduate of Tomahawk High School. Jeanne was united in marriage to William J. Hinke in 1963. They met while students at Lincoln County Teachers College. Bill passed away on August 11, 2007. Jeanne helped establish a care group for others who were recently widowed. Through the group she met Wayne Kroeplin. Jeanne and Wayne were married in 2013. Jeanne was one of the original car hops in the 1950s at a drive-in in Tomahawk. In the 1980s, she enjoyed many happy years sharing her sparkly, friendly personality in her role as a switchboard operator at Hoffers. Jeanne was dedicated to her long and beloved career in community outreach with Children's Service Society of Wisconsin. She retired in 2010 and focused more on a business she established, Terra Mater Blends. She made many hand-crafted natural products, including goats milk soaps made with essential oils. She blended soaps with fresh herbs and set them in single batches. She cut each bar of soap by hand. Jeanne was a founding member of Thymekeepers herb club. In 2004, she helped establish the club's tradition of making pesto for the University of Wisconsin Marathon County's annual fundraiser, Educational Assistance Through Scholarships (EATS). Jeanne gave demonstrations in how to make pesto at the Monk Botanical Gardens. She was involved in several other service organizations. For many years she and Bill served at Forest Park Village during their Christmas celebration, and she and Wayne continued in that tradition. She was also involved in service to the community through the Wausau Garden Club, the Crimson Hats and more. She was very close with a special bible study group for many years. She loved playing bunko regularly with friends at the Village Inn in Marathon. She treasured her herb, flower and vegetable gardens. She loved to cook, bake and entertain large groups at home. She loved to arrange flowers and decorate her home. Survivors include her husband, Wayne Kroeplin, Marathon, son Jeff Hinke, Rothschild and daughter Veronica Hinke, Channahon, Illinois. Jean loved spending a great deal of time with Wayne's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A celebration of Jeanne's life will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 in the sanctuary at Highland Community Church, 1005 N. 28th Ave. Wausau, WI 54401. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pastor Dave Mahler will officiate Jeanne's memorial service at 12 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the William Hinke and Jeanne Kroeplin Memorial Scholarship. In 2008, Jeanne established the scholarship for Merrill High School graduates pursuing education degrees in the University of Wisconsin system, and this year their children are expanding the scholarship to also include horticulture students, in honor of Jeanne.