Jean "Jeanie" Cottew

Jean “Jeanie” Cottew passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, with family by her side. She was born on January 11, 1941, to Carl and Adeline Schlichting in the family home in Little Falls, Minnesota, where she spent her childhood.

Jean met the love of her life, Larry Cottew, when he was home on leave in 1957. The two were married on March 19, 1960, beginning a life together centered on family, hard work, and lasting memories. They eventually settled in Dayton, Minnesota, where they raised their five children. Later, they retired to the Whitefish Chain, where they had built a cabin and spent many cherished years enjoying the lake life together.

Jean took great pride in being a homemaker, devoting herself to her family and the home they shared. Whatever she did, she approached with dedication, care, and a desire to do things well.

Jeanie had a passion for gardening, canning, and decorating. This eventually blossomed into a love of quilting. What began as an interest became a remarkable talent and a true labor of love. Jean was a perfectionist in the very best sense of the word. She took her time, carefully planning each quilt and thoughtfully carrying out every detail. She never rushed the process, believing that things were worth doing right. Her patience, precision, and attention to detail made her an exceptional quilter.

Her greatest creations were often those made for the people she loved most. Jean made graduation quilts for each of her 17 grandchildren, giving every one of them something unique and lasting to treasure. She also donated many quilts to support local charity organizations. If you were fortunate enough to receive one of Jean’s quilts, you knew it was more than a blanket. It was a piece of her heart, stitched into every detail and made with a love that would last for generations.

Jean’s legacy lives on in the family she and Larry built, the traditions she created, and the beautiful things she made with her hands and her heart.

Jean is survived by her beloved husband, Larry; her five children, Becky (Marvin) Yackel, Craig (Toyie) Cottew, Pam Scholefield, Michelle (Steve) Style, and Jeff (Missy) Cottew; her siblings, Paul (Diane) Schlichting, Loraine (Frank) Benson, Kate (Dave) Eckman and Julie Brill; sister-in-law, Janel Schlichting; her 17 grandchildren; and her 18 great-grandchildren and one more joining the family this week.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Adeline Schlichting; her brothers, Larry (Julie) Schlichting, Jim (Sue) Schlichting, Charlie Schlichting, and Bobby Schlichting, along with her brother-in-law, Jim Brill.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 2 at 11:00 A.M. at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the service. The burial will take place at a later date at Riverside Cemetery in Royalton.