Florence Cecilia “Flossie” Jakes, age 81 of Ellsworth, WI, passed away September 19, 2018 surrounded by her loving family at her home. Florence was born April 26, 1937 in St. Paul, MN, the daughter of Otto and Johanna (Muellner) Leitner. She graduated from Monroe High School, the Class of 1955. Flossie was united in marriage on April 25, 1959 at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul, MN to Phillip Randolph Jakes. Their marriage was blessed with five children, Eugene, Donald, Dorothy, Ann, and Wayne. Flossie lovingly provided for her family as a homemaker, raising her children, and helping Phillip on their family farm.

Most important to Flossie was her faith and her family. She was devoted in her faith, and loved her family well. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy. Flossie and Phillip took great pride in following them in their school activities and sports. She delighted in making holidays special for her family, with her delicious meals and baked goods. She enjoyed the beauty of flowers and tending to her flower gardens.

Flossie will remain in the hearts of her loving husband of 59 years, Phillip; children, Eugene (Shari) Jakes, Donald (Lori) Jakes, Dorothy (Donald) Armstrong, Ann (Jim) Samuel, all of Ellsworth, and Wayne Jakes of Plum City; 11 grandchildren: Jessica (Derrick) Tindal, Joseph (Danielle) Jakes, Jaime (Codie) Henderson, John Jakes, Amber (Renée) Jakes, Shannon (Jeremiah) Reynolds, Lance (Kayleen) Jakes, Bridget (Russell) Swanson, Zachary Armstrong, Amanda (Nick) Knaapen, and Adam Samuel; 7 great-grandchildren: Audrey, Lindsey, Adeline, Ruby, Otto, Harper, and Barrett; four sisters; one brother; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Florence was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; and four sisters.

Visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 23rd at the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, 130 N. Grant St. in Ellsworth, and 1 hour prior to Mass at church. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00a.m. on Monday, September 24th at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 212 Church Rd. in Plum City, with Rev. Fr. Joseph Okine-Quartey officiating. Burial will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery. Flossie’s family would like to thank their family and friends for all their love and support, and also thank Adoray Home Care and Hospice for their wonderful care and support. Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth. (715) 273-4421