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Jean A. Krings, 84, of Oshkosh, formerly of Winneconne, died Saturday, April 27, 2024, at The Courtyard at Oshkosh Assisted Living. She was born April 17, 1940, to the late Robert and Virgina (Lee) Carpenter. Jean was a 1958 graduate of Omro High School. In 1966 she married Gerald “Nick” Krings.

Jean worked various jobs and wore many hats over the years but she found her calling working for Winnebago County Human Services. Following retirement, Jean started her own small guardianship business, Safekeeping, Inc., and provided personal service for her clients until early symptoms of dementia made it impossible for her to continue.

Jean was an advocate for the mentally disabled. As an early member of NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), she played a large part in opening and operating the Hope and Care Center for many years. Hope and Care Center provided a safe place for those with mental illness to gather and socialize. It saddened Jean to see this close to lack of funding.

She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, gardening, and was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Jean is survived by a daughter, Susan (Steve) Bohlssen, of Omro; a son, Patrick Krings, of Oshkosh; brothers and sisters, James (Sharon) Carpenter, of Oshkosh; Kathy (Mike) Miller, of Phillips; Barb (Stuart) Fink, of Oshkosh; Greg Carpenter, of Oshkosh; sister-in-law, Linda Carpenter, of Oshkosh; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends.

Along with her parents, Jean was also preceded in death by her husband, Gerald “Nick” Krings; a daughter, Karen Kay Halder; and brothers, Robert “Bobby” Carpenter, Larry “Joe” Carpenter.

Jean’s family wishes to thank the staffs of The Courtyard at Oshkosh and Preceptor Hospice for the compassionate care given to her.

A private celebration of life for the family will be held at a later date. Interment will be in the Winneconne Cemetery. Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish, please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.