Jean Juliet [Anderson] Nystuen, longtime resident of Menomonie, WI, passed away in Northfield, MN, on May 25, 2025, at the age of 88, following a long and courageous battle with dementia.

Jean was born on April 15, 1937, in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of Eugene and Rose (Peterson) Anderson. She graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1955 and earned her B.A. in Art from St. Olaf College in 1959.

After college, Jean worked as a graphic artist for Bell Telephone and Charles Printing, where she created layouts and illustrations— including the first-ever Medtronic catalog. Jean later married Courtney Nystuen and embraced her roles as wife, mother, and homemaker. Outside the home, she worked in fashion

retail and continued to pursue her passion for visual art. A gifted and versatile artist, Jean worked in multiple mediums—print, textiles, watercolor, clay, and metal—and she could sew and knit anything.

Jean’s creativity was matched by her love of literature, music, animals, and the natural world. She was an avid reader, a gardener, a furniture refinisher, and a gifted cook—famous among family and friends for her pies. She especially loved spending summers on Minnesota’s North Shore, where she found joy in the beauty of Lake Superior and the vibrant arts scene in Grand Marais. Jean and her husband Court cherished being part of that creative and closeknit community.

Jean’s life was filled with curiosity, creative energy, deep friendships, and a spirit of adventure. Her warmth, wit, and artistic spark touched everyone she knew.

She is survived by her three children: Sally (Tim) Vahle of Grand Marais, MN; Peder Nystuen of Eau Claire, WI; and Arne (Neena Haider) Nystuen of Chestnut Hill, MA; six grandchildren: Kala and Hanna Vahle, Ellie and Macy Nystuen, and Kaden and Sophie Nystuen; her sister, Diane Parker of Lutsen and Northfield, MN; sister- and brother-in-law, Susan and Larry Legore of Algona, IA; as well as nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Courtney Nystuen, parents, Eugene and Rose Anderson; her brother-in-law, Samuel Parker; and her beloved dog, Paddy.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the First Congregational- UCC in Menomonie, WI. A reception will follow the service at the church. Interment will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Northfield, MN.

Jean’s children lovingly acknowledge that their mother set aside many of her own dreams and professional pursuits so they could grow up in “the little house in the big woods.” For that—and for the countless gifts she gave them—they are forever grateful.

Arrangements are trusted to Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral. com