Jean Eales

Olive Jean Eales, age 96, a resident of Manitowish Waters, WI, passed away with her daughter by her side on August 29, 2026, at Country Terrace in Minocqua, WI. She was born December 4, 1929, in Milwaukee, WI, to parents Lester and Helen (Ware) Bulson.

She graduated high school in Pewaukee, WI in 1947.

Jean married Louis Carl Goralski Sr. in 1948. Together they had four children: Louis Jr., Linda, Charles, and Lorna. Louis Sr. died of illness in April 1963. During their time together they lived in Pewaukee, then near Troy, Michigan, then Dousman, Wisconsin and then back to Pewaukee.

During their time in SE Michigan, the duplex they shared with another family was flattened by a devastating F4 tornado as part of a tornado outbreak in June 1953. Neighbors had to dig them out, and her family, including children Louis Jr. and infant Linda, all survived. She famously always said that the tornado took a train and threw it down the tracks, and it parked their car up in a tree. Her son Louis was very upset and cried because they were going to an outdoor movie theater that evening and the theater was also destroyed.

Jean married her second husband, Kenneth Lloyd Eales in 1965. They lived in Pewaukee, before moving to Manitowish Waters in 1995.

Jean had a wonderful career as a Manager at numerous Supper Clubs throughout Wisconsin. She started working as a waitress at a restaurant on Pewaukee Lake; later she managed the Seven Seas restaurant in Hartland; later still she managed Chuck’s Supper Club restaurant in Oconomowoc; finally, she managed the executive dining room at Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee, retiring in the early 1990’s. There she met many famous personalities including all the sports figures who did ads for Miller Lite beer. One notable time, the rodeo star brought his brahma bull up the elevator to meet Jean. One of the Lite All Stars was a big fan of her chocolate chip cookies.

Jean was preceded in death by her first husband: Louis Goralski Sr., second husband: Kenneth Eales in 2013; children: Louis Goralski Jr., Linda Lurvey, and Charles Goralski; and sister Nancy (Bulson) Senn. She is survived by her daughter: Lorna Goralski; son-in-law: Martin Lurvey; 7 grandchildren: Chris Goralski, Brenda Lurvey, Hannah Frink, Arielle Goralski, Moss Goralski, Tucker Goralski, and Griffin Goralski; brother-in-law Lamar Senn, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Jean liked to knit before she was no longer able to manipulate the knitting needles. Later in Manitowish Waters, she liked to boat around the chain of lakes and just observe all the residences. She also liked to host parties and liked to play cards like bridge and uecker. She also loved to bake and was well known for her cookies, brownies and carrot cake. She had many friends and enjoyed being with them.

Jean loved dogs and horses. She really loved her German shepherds and had several over the years. She and Ken always fed the Manitowish Waters wild life including deer, crows, chipmunks and others that came to her front deck on Manitowish Lake. She drew the line when a bear strolled up to her kitchen windows and looked in. She rode horses when she was younger back in Pewaukee.

Jean was a member of the Lioness Club in Manitowish Waters. Both Jean and Ken were very supportive of the community. During one year, Jean was elected Citizen of the Year for Manitowish Waters and another year she was Lioness of the Year for the Lionesses.

Jean was a long time member and supporter of the Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Church. She and Ken supported their annual fundraiser, the “Fleazaar,” many times.

Jean was a resident for the last 3 years at Country Terrace in Minocqua. The care givers there took excellent care of her during this most recent time of her life by involving her in daily group activities which gave Jean enjoyment by interacting with other residents. Her family can’t thank them enough for the personal care they gave Jean during this most difficult time. The care givers engaged hospice care near the end for additional support and they also did a very good job of caring for Jean.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Church from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either the Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Church or the Oneida County Humane Society in Rhinelander or the Frank B. Kohler Memorial Library in Manitowish Waters in Jean’s memory.