Jean Mary Hawkins

Jean Mary Hawkins (nee Fricke) was born on September 8, 1937, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Clarence and Hilda Fricke. When Jean was nine months old, her parents divorced, and she moved with her mother to Davenport Iowa, where they lived with her uncles, Herbert and John Miller. Jean graduated from Davenport High School in 1956 and began working as a secretary at the U.S. Army Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois. She was an active member of the Methodist Church in Davenport, where she sang in the choir and worked in the church office. It was there that she met her future husband, Clyde Hawkins, at a church-sponsored talent program for college youth. Jean and Clyde were united in marriage on April 25, 1959. Following their wedding, they moved to New York, where Clyde worked for Univac Corporation and Jean also served as a secretary. They later lived in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, where they formed lasting friendships. Their first daughter, Deborah, was born on February 15, 1960. Clyde's career took the family to Detroit, Michigan, and then, in January 1961 to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he joined Control Data Corporation. Their second daughter, Lisa, was born on September 28, 1962. In the spring of 1963, the family moved into their first new home in Cedar Grove, Minnesota (now Egan). They attended Bloomington Church of Christ, where Jean gave her life to Jesus and was baptized. In December 1967, the family relocated to New Hope, Minnesota, where they attended New Hope Church of Christ. Jean served faithfully as the church pianist and organist for many years, sharing her musical gifts and blessing countless people. In 1972, the family began attending New Brighton Christian Church, where Jean continued her involvement in the music ministry, regularly playing piano and organ. Then on July 17, 1969, Jean and Clyde welcomed their third child, James. Jean treasured time with her family and enjoyed many vacations together, as well as gatherings with dear neighbors, including the Soeldner, Paavola, and Bankes families. Music remained a lifelong passion for Jean. She especially cherished helping her grandson, Anthony, as he began piano lessons in the third grade. Jean faithfully attended his recitals and performances and took great pride in his growth into an accomplished pianist. Anthony continued to play for his grandmother regularly throughout her life. In 2015, Jean fulfilled two lifelong dreams. She traveled to Las Vegas with Deborah and her grandchildren to see her favorite pianist, David Osborne - an experience she spoke of often. Later that year, she and Clyde visited Old Friends Ranch in Kentucky, a sanctuary for retired racehorses. That same year marked a significant transition as Jean and Clyde sold their home of 48 years and moved into a senior apartment in Crystal, Minnesota. Their final church home was Victory Baptist Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Jean spent her final years in long-term care at St. Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Jean is lovingly remembered by her husband, Clyde; her children, Deborah Bankes, Lisa (Brent) Adams, and James (Debbie) Hawkins; six grandchildren, Nicole (Nathanael) Rustad, Katie (Stuart) Mufford, Samuel Adams, Anthony Bankes, Anna (Cameron Hernandez) Bankes, and Ally Bankes; and four great-grandchildren, Elaine Rustad, Daniel Rustad, Alexander Mufford, and Phineas Mufford. A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11 AM with visitation starting at 10 AM at Victory Baptist Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Jean will be laid to rest in Howard Lake, Minnesota.

Tributes

Jean Mary Hawkins

September 8, 1937 - March 19, 2026

Tributes

Jean Mary Hawkins

September 8, 1937 - March 19, 2026

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203