Jean Marie Ries-Potter

Jean Ries-Potter, age 67, of Hayward, WI, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at her home. 

Jean Marie was born June 10, 1958, in Fond du Lac, WI the daughter of Ray and Virginia (Juckem) Ries.  She was raised in Fond du Lac and graduated from Goodrich High School in 1977.  Jean continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, where she received a bachelor's degree in education.  Jean started her career as an English Teacher in Suring, WI.  In August of 1984, Jean met John Potter while out with some friends.  Jean and John were married on May 10, 1986, in Fond du Lac and then settled in Waukegan, IL.  Jean taught in Libertyville, IL until she and John moved to Melbourne, FL.  She continued her teaching career in Melbourne until the couple moved back to Wisconsin, living in Waukesha, Oconomowoc and Wausau where Jean worked various jobs. In February of 2011, Jean suffered a stroke which led to her choosing to retire.   Then in August of 2019, Jean’s husband, John, became blind and Jean cared for him until her own health prohibited her from doing so.  The couple moved to Hayward, WI in 2024.  Jean had a strong Christian faith and participated in Celebrate Recovery, where she helped others with addictions.  Her caring heart and ability to listen closely to others aided in her gift of making friends easily.  She was a member of the Hayward Wesleyan Church. 

Jean is survived by her husband of 39 years, John; two siblings, Carol (Adam) Ries-Holzman and Joe (Michelle) Ries, both of Fond du Lac, WI; brother-in-law, Jim (Betsy) Potter of Brookfield, WI, sister-in-law, Julie (Cary) Huettner of Rochester, MN; nieces, Whitney, Melissa, Miriam, Elizabeth, Brigitte and Caroline; nephews, Hunter, Evan, Grant, Mike, Andrew, Peter, and Daniel; and special friend and caregiver, Tanya Thorne.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Nancy Singer.

No services are planned at this time for Jean.