Jean Marie (Konzer) Callewaert

Jean Marie (Konzer) Callewaert (1948–2023)

Jean Marie (Konzer) Callewaert, 75, of Rock, MI died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at UP Health Systems, Marquette, MI, on September 27, 2023, following an extended battle with cancer.

Jean was born in Macomb County, MI to Harold and Ruth (Kerner) Konzer, who preceded her in death, as did her sister, Kathy, who died as an infant. Jean was raised with siblings on the Kerner family farm in Clinton Township, attended Chippewa Valley High School, and St. Clair County Community College. She then attended Wayne State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with honors, and she was a graduate of the Detroit Police Academy.

A fearless pioneer from childhood, she began to chip away at “glass ceilings” the moment she entered the workforce. In 1970 she became one of less than 100 certified female police officers in the state of Michigan, when she joined the Detroit Police Department. Jean then transitioned to Clinton Township’s police force in 1974, as the first female police officer working in the Detective Bureau and on road patrol. Beginning in 1977, she and her husband, Joseph, started commuting to Roscommon County on weekends, where they both taught law enforcement and worked to launch the Criminal Justice program at Kirtland Community College. In 1978 they relocated to northern Michigan and continued to teach. Next, Jean joined the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, again as the first certified female police officer, and served in a variety of positions until 1989, when she was appointed District Court Magistrate, a position she held until her retirement in 2004. Following retirement, Jean and Joe moved to “God’s Country” in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Jean was incredibly generous, giving of her time and resources throughout her life. She was a tenderhearted animal lover. She cherished her family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and was an active community member. She was selflessly devoted to Sion Lutheran Church LCMS, American Legion Auxiliary, Lions Club International, Quilts of Valor, the Rock Senior Center, and Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS).

Jean was extraordinarily handy, taking on any DIY project with confidence. She was an expert seamstress, quilter, gardener and canner, as well as an avid reader. She loved celebrating holidays, camping and the outdoors, especially in the woods of Michigan’s beautiful and rugged U.P.

Jean will be dearly missed by her husband of 48 years, Joseph G. Callewaert, and is survived by Kate (Jeff) Schuster, Heidi (Jason) Snell, Kim (Tom) Cianciolo, Joe (Wendy) Callewaert, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Also keeping her memory alive are her brother, Lynn (Jan) Konzer and sister Diane Konzer Pilette, and niece Traci Konzer.

Her family will receive family and friends on Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 2:30 to 4:00 at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Memorial services will be held at 4:00 PM. A luncheon will follow at the Gladstone American Legion. Please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com to offer an online message of condolence to the family. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider donating to Sion Lutheran Church, LCMS, in Chatham, or Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter www.upaws.org.