Alma Jondrow
GLADSTONE — Alma Jean (“Jean”) Jondrow, age 99½, of Gladstone, Michigan, passed away peacefully while in the care of Transitions Assisted Living with her dear friends Denise Dufek and Julie Aschbacher at her side on December 6, 2025.
Born on July 4, 1926, in Billings, Montana, Jean was the daughter of Richard and Grace Herminghaus. She lived a long, active, and meaningful life marked by devotion to family, faith, and community.
Jean attended Montana State University for two years, where she met the love of her life, David A. Jondrow. They were married on September 11, 1948, beginning a partnership that would span many decades.
An avid runner, skier, and golfer, Jean embraced an active lifestyle throughout her life. Even in her later years, she made a point of walking every day. When asked the secret to living to 99 years old, Jean’s answer was always simple: “You have to keep moving!” Those words reflected not only her physical vitality, but also her approach to life–remaining active, engaged, and grateful for each day.
Jean also found joy in gardening, cooking, reading, sewing, and quilting. She took great pride in creating a warm home and sharing her many talents with family and friends.. She was a devoted member of the All Saints Catholic Church.
Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David A. Jondrow; her parents, Richard and Grace Herminghaus; her brother, Richard Herminghaus; and her sister, Helen Walsh.
She is survived by her sons, Michael Jondrow and his wife, Donna Reber, and James Jondrow and his wife, Ningfang Qian; her daughter, Mary Ward and her husband, Wayne Ward; her granddaughters, Ayleen Jondrow-Qian and Celene Jondrow-Qian; her grandson, Maxwell Ward; and her adopted family, Denise and Dennis Dufek and their daughter, Ashley, who held a special place in her heart.
Jean lived in Gladstone for over 70 years and created many livelong friendships in the community. Throughout nearly a century of life, she remained curious, engaged, and active, inspiring those around her by the example she set. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the many friends and family she cherished, and the values she passed on to future generations.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 2 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM at All Saints Church in Gladstone. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Jean will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
To leave a message of condolence, go to http://www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.
