Ila Mae Jens

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ila Mae Jens (Plamann) on June 14, 2026. She was born on December 14, 1934, the youngest child of Edward and Elsie (Kasten) Plamann. She attended St. Paul's Lutheran Grade School and Seymour High School, where she met Ron Jens. They were married in 1954 and built a full and lively life together, raising seven children (though Ila Mae often joked she had hoped for twelve).

In addition to caring for her family, Ila Mae worked at Zwicker's, Lutheran Aid, Prange's, and Elm Tree (Rich's) Bakery, retiring in 2000.

Ila Mae is survived by her children: Vicki Jens-Page; Jim (Deb); Steve (Sharla); Jodie (Steve Bialek); Robin (Mike Markowski); and Todd (Stacy); daughters-in-law Carie Jens and Amy Jens; eighteen grandchildren: Bryan (Nikki), Jay (Tricia), Sam (Averil) Page, Kate (Brian) Page, Gunner, Brady, McCartney, Savannah Klockziem (Evan), Spencer, Michaela Bialek, Isabelle Bialek, Max Markowski, Jack Markowski, Natalie, Mya, Marcus, Sydney, and Haley; and two great-grandchildren, Elijah and Isaiah. She is also survived by an "adopted son", Ron (Lisa) Andrews and their daughters, Meghan and Lauren; and her nieces, Connie and Judy; and nephews.

She was preceded in death by Ron Jens; her son, Jeff; great-grandson, Warren Klockziem; her parents, Edward and Elsie; her siblings Helen (Wally) Stolzman, Vernon (Ruth), and Elroy (LaVerne); and her parents-in-law, Elmer and Mabel (Feistal) Jens.

Ila Mae was deeply grateful to have lived in her Black Creek home for more than fifty years. She often said she could not have remained there without the help of her children and the kindness of her neighbors. She was thoughtful, generous, and welcoming, always opening her home to family and friends. She loved to laugh, dance, journal, listen to music, and travel. She had a strong appreciation for nature and for people, and in her later years embraced technology, learning to use a computer and smartphone to stay connected with those she loved.

Faith was an important part of Ila Mae's life and values. She was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Black Creek and sought to live with love and care for others. She was adored by the staff and community at Towner Crest in Oconomowoc, where she lived her final three years. Her family wishes to express a special thanks to the memory care staff and Brighton Hospice.

Visitation for Ila Mae will take place on Monday, June 29, 2026 at St. John's United Church of Christ in Black Creek from 9:00 am until the funeral service at 10:45 am with Pastor Moira Finley officiating.

She will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park near her family. Her memory will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com