Jean Marie Kronenberg-Hugdahl, age 63, of Eau Claire, WI finished her earthly journey November 1, 2022 at Mayo Clinic Health System after suffering a heart attack.

Jean was born at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire on December 11th, 1958 to Rita (Eder) and Wayne Kronenberg. She was the second child and only daughter. Jean attended Saint Olaf Elementary School, DeLong Middle School and graduated from North High School with the class of 1977. Jean graduated from Chippewa Valley Technical College as a radiology technician and started her career in Austin, Texas before returning to Eau Claire to work at Sacred Heart Hospital and then Group Health (later Marshfield Clinic).

Jean married her long-time sweetheart, Brad Hugdahl, on August 7th, 2019 while they lived in North Carolina. They recently relocated back to Eau Claire and bought a cute house on the north side and have enjoyed completing many projects to turn their house into a home. Jean has had a longtime passion for rescuing cats. Over the years, she has adopted and lovingly cared for many cats with a special interest in adopting those cats that had the hardest time finding a home. Jean had many unique cats including Tripod the three-legged cat, Timmy the dog-chasing cat and Ollie the one-eyed cat. Her current furry babies are Ollie and Tommy. Jean also enjoyed reading, fishing, boating, and spending time with friends. Jean enjoyed travelling and especially enjoyed her trips to Germany and Hawaii.

Jean is survived by her husband, Brad, brother Dan (Sandy) Kronenberg of Eau Claire and Greg (Gina) Kronenberg of Des Moines, Iowa, nieces and nephews Brandon (Jennifer) Kronenberg, Kaitlin (Andrew) Yost, Isabelle, Ava and Charles Kronenberg, and great-nieces Bryn and Maya Yost, mother Marlys Hugdahl, brother Kyle (Alyssa) Hugdahl and many cousins and dear friends. Jean is preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Kronenberg.

Jean was greatly loved and will be missed by her family and friends. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Eau Claire County Humane Society.

The family would like to thank the professional and compassionate staff at Luther-Mayo for all they did for Jean.

9 Comments

  1. I am saddened to hear of the passing of Jean. I had the pleasure of working with Jean at Group Health. She was always so upbeat and cheerful. My deepest sympathies to your family.

  2. Jean was a longtime friend. My fondest memories are when we and we went camping and playing cards. My neighbors and I are so grateful to her for rescuing Tommy. May she rest in peace. Xxoo

  3. Jean was an absolute delight and lit up any room she entered with her contagious smile She always exhibited true kindness to others. Her love of rescuing her fur babies was an example of her genuine caring sole. When I made an employment change to Marshfield Clinic, she didn’t hesitate to welcome me and helped me with questions I had. Loving, selfless, beautiful and kind. My sincere thoughts are with her husband, family and huge group of loving friends and also her special cats. I will never forget you Jean Marie❤️🙏

  4. I met Jean Marie in the fall of 1985 while stationed in Ft Hood Tx and visited her often in Austin while I was stationed there.
    Then she visited me and my then wife in Germany 🇩🇪 and she fell in love with the country and had a blast. Lifetime memories
    RIP dearest Jean

  5. Jean will be missed dearly. That smile of hers was contagious and her personality and how she treated all people was incredible. I’m so sorry for your loss

  6. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family. I had the chance to talk with Jean this past summer at a family reunion. She spoke of returning to Eau Claire, happy to be back after living in North Carolina. I met her husband and was so glad I was able to connect with her after a number of years.
    I can still see her smiling.
    Her cousin, Mary A. Eder

  7. May the memories of her bring comfort and peace. She can never truly be gone as she is part of you, keep her close in your heart. Keeping the family in our thoughts.

  8. I worked with Jean for years at Marshfield Clinic and we became longtime friends! We’d bring sandwiches 🥪 once a week for each other being surprised with lunch. We talked every day, but lost track with moves and life. She will be missed!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post comment