Jean Ellen (Graham) Strejc

Jean Ellen Strejc, 81, of Cadillac, MI, passed peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, after a prolonged illness.

Jean was born in Charlevoix, MI on June 25th, 1944, the daughter of Hugh and Gertrude (Duckworth) Graham.  She married Richard DuFresne on February 26th, 1965, and separated in 1983. She married Jerry Strejc on April, 26th, 1986, who preceded her in death in 2025.

Jean graduated from East Jordan High School in 1962, and attended Davenport College secretarial school in Grand Rapids, MI.  She worked for Memorial Hospital in St. Joseph, MI as an administrative assistant for many years.  

Jean was a domestic engineer who loved gardening, needle point, crossword puzzles and making “grandma” bread. She worked tirelessly maintaining flower beds around the lakeside house and supervising the antics of her late husband Jerry.  She loved the summer gatherings at Jean’s park, pontoon dinner cruises and vacation adventures with family and friends.  

She is survived by her daughter Kris DuFresne of Iron River, MI, son Randy DuFresne (Renee) of Orchard Lake, MI, son Doug DuFresne (Cheryl) of Siler City, NC, step-daughter Suzie Diebert (Al) of Bozeman, MT, step-son David Strejc of Lowell, MI., grandchildren Melissa (Rob), Kelsie (Nick), Emilie, Claire, Paige (Matt), Zeth, Lindsey(Jake), Jonathon, Michael, Ryan, Andrew, Colby (Taylor) and great grandchildren Wilson, Tommy, August, Declan and Sylvie.  

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 29th, 2026, at 1:00 P.M at the Penzien Funeral Home in East Jordan, MI. Rev Bart Adams will officiate with interment following at the Sunset Hill Cemetery, East Jordan.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from noon to service time.  Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of Michigan.  

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