Obituary
Jennifer Philomen (Checota) Stevens
Jennifer Philomen (Checota) Stevens, 80, passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2026.
Jennifer was born on June 27, 1945, to Joseph and Rachael (Schmitt) Checota and raised in Watertown, WI. She received her bachelor’s degree from UW–Whitewater. During her working years, she dedicated herself to advocating for adults with disabilities at Opportunities, Inc. of Fort Atkinson, WI. Jennifer spent her retirement in the Coulee Region enjoying cardmaking, reading, and watching PBS television. She loved every minute she spent with her grandkids, Katelin, Amy, and John.
Jennifer is survived by her husband of 54 years, Russell Stevens, of Holmen, WI; her daughter, Jessica (Matt) Gobel, of Onalaska, WI; grandchildren, Katelin, Amy, and John; a brother, Joseph (Ellen) Checota, of Milwaukee, WI; sisters, Becky Checota, of Walnut Creek, CA, and Monica Paoli, of San Rafael, CA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Rachael Checota, and a sister, Penelope Carew.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jennifer’s life at a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Onalaska United Methodist Church in Onalaska. Visitation will be from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will follow later in the day at Woodlawn Cemetery in Taylor, WI. The service will be streamed on the church’s YouTube channel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Onalaska United Methodist Church or PBS–Wisconsin.
Please visit CouleeCremation.com.
I offer my condolences to you all on the passing of this dear wife, Mother, and Grandmother. Her quiet and caring contributions to our church family will be cherished for ever. May you remember all the good things about her life with you all, and may she rest in peace free from all the trials over these past years.
Jessica,Matt and family,
We extend our sympathies and prayers at the passing of your sweet mother and grandma. May God’s peace surround each of you in the days ahead.
We are so sorry for your tremendous loss. Jennifer was a person that cared deeply for her Family and Friends. She will be sorely missed by so many but her loving nature will be remembered and cherished by those who were privileged to know her. God bless you always. Sandi and Rick Auseth
A new neighbor, an ardent advocate for the disadvantaged, a dedicated democrat, a screaming liberal, and the best chocolate lover ever. She was a great role model to us all.
Russ and family Such a gentle dear soul she was! I treasured her beautiful gift of cards she made ,her intellect of all things history and books. Dear Jennifer!!
Russ and Family: I worked with Jennifer at Opportunites during job coaching in the community. I always enjoyed her humor. We had many laughs together. Sending hugs and praying for you as you grieve Jennifer’s loss.
We’re sorry for your family’s loss. Cherish the wonderful memories as you all go forward. Our prayers are with you all.
Mike and Donna Bender