Jennifer Philomen (Checota) Stevens, 80, passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2026.
Jennifer was born on June 27, 1945, to Joseph and Rachael (Schmitt) Checota and raised in
Watertown, WI. She received her bachelor’s degree from UW–Whitewater. During her working
years, she dedicated herself to advocating for adults with disabilities at Opportunities, Inc. of
Fort Atkinson, WI. Jennifer spent her retirement in the Coulee Region enjoying cardmaking,
reading, and watching PBS television. She loved every minute she spent with her grandkids,
Katelin, Amy, and John.
Jennifer is survived by her husband of 54 years, Russell Stevens, of Holmen, WI; her daughter,
Jessica (Matt) Gobel, of Onalaska, WI; grandchildren, Katelin, Amy, and John; a brother, Joseph
(Ellen) Checota, of Milwaukee, WI; sisters, Becky Checota, of Walnut Creek, CA, and Monica
Paoli, of San Rafael, CA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by
her parents, Joseph and Rachael Checota, and a sister, Penelope Carew.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jennifer’s life at a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on
Monday, January 19, 2026, at Onalaska United Methodist Church in Onalaska. Visitation will be
from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will follow later in the day at Woodlawn
Cemetery in Taylor, WI. The service will be streamed on the church’s YouTube channel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Onalaska United Methodist Church
or PBS–Wisconsin.
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