Jean Ellen (Arnold) Hatch

Jean Ellen Hatch, 89, formerly of Mauston, Wisconsin, passed away July 12, 2021 in Columbus, North Carolina. She was born January 23, 1932 to Joseph and Mary (Vruwink) Arnold on Searle’s cranberry marsh in Cranmoor, WI.

She attended Altdorf Country School, then St. Joachim’s Catholic School.  She graduated salutatorian from Pittsville High School with honors in vocal and instrumental music.

Jean married her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) Hatch, her husband for 67 years.  She started working at the Pittsville Post Office when she was 18 years old.  In 1968 she transferred to the Mauston Post Office where she eventually became Postmaster.

Jean retired in 1982 and together with Bill started Cranberry Creek Cranberries, Inc.  A lot of hard work and determination paid off as it has become a top-notch cranberry operation in Wisconsin.

In many ways Jean was ahead of her time.  She was running on country roads long before jogging became a popular exercise.  It became a lifelong passion, walking when she no longer ran.  She was extremely interested in finance and began investing for herself at 18.  She was a keen collector of stamps and coins, bought and refurbished antiques and loved fashion and interior design.  She was a talented opera singer and loved attending operas throughout the US.  She cherished book club and her very loving friends.  She was strong minded and could accomplish most anything she decided to do.  Her example taught her children to strive for what they want in life and that they are in charge of their destiny.  To overcome cancer, she dedicated herself to a holistic lifestyle. Through her acquired knowledge and expertise, she mentored others dealing with cancer.

Extremely meaningful to Jean and Bill was their ability to donate to and become a force to build the Hatch Public Library.  The library will continue to serve the people of the greater Mauston community for many years to come.

For the last 3 years of her life, she was fortunate to have a devoted partner, Charles Blackwell Jr.

Jean is survived by her children Jo Mazula of Boulder, Colorado; Cinda Fischer of Rutherfordton, North Carolina; William (Sandy) Hatch of Necedah; and Suzan Hatch of Jacksonville, Oregon.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Justin and Eric (Hayley) Mazula; Timothy (Ashley), and Cory Gilmer, Lita (Alex) Cabrera, Tylea (Stephen) Herweynen, Tyson Gilmer; Jason Hatch; Maxim Mascolo.  Her surviving great-grandchildren Isabella, William, Leopold, Henry and Emma Mazula; Sage and Addison Gilmer, Liam and Noah Herweynen; Evan, Jalen and Ava Hatch; her sister, Carol Fritz; and her partner Charles Blackwell, Jr.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband William Hatch, parents, siblings Edward and Fern, her infant daughter Denna, her grand-daughter Deena Hatch and grand-son Jeffrey Hatch and her son-in-law Peter Mazula.

The family has requested no flowers or plants. 

Memorials may be made to the Hatch Public Library, 111 W. State St., Mauston, WI.  53948.

Sanders Funeral Home.

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