Jean Wilcox Obituary

Jean Marie Wilcox, 75, of Casselton, ND, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, surrounded by love and the comfort of cherished memories.
Jean was born on July 12, 1949, in Fargo, ND, to Kenneth W. Buchholz and Inez (Miller) Buchholz-Woell. She grew up in Casselton and graduated from Casselton Public School before pursuing her passion for beauty at Josef's School of Hair Design in Fargo.
On February 21, 1970, Jean married Gregory W. Wilcox. Their marriage lasted over 53 years until Greg's passing on December 25, 2023. In their later years, Jean's devotion to Greg was especially evident, as she lovingly cared for him at home for more than 12 years with quiet strength and dedication. Together, they raised their beloved son, Timothy William Wilcox.
Jean's career as a beautician spanned 55 years, a remarkable journey that included working at various salons, including Regis, where she held roles as both stylist and manager in Fargo and Bismarck, ND. In 1985, she and Greg returned to Casselton, where Jean worked and eventually opened Mane Street Hair Salon. Her talent, warmth, and listening ear made her not just a hairdresser to her clients, but a trusted friend and confidante.
Even after retirement, Jean continued to share her gift, rarely missing a week to lovingly style her mother Inez's hair. Her hands were rarely still. If she wasn't tending to her garden with care and pride, she was gathered around a quilt with her dear friends from the Martin Lutheran Quilters group or enjoying the simple comfort of companionship with her energetic little dog, Bella.
Jean will be remembered for her quiet strength, gentle kindness, and unwavering grace. She lived her life with humility and heart, pouring love into every detail, whether it was a flowerbed, a quilt stitch, or a fresh hairstyle.
Above all, Jean's deepest joy was her immediate and extended family and friends. She was immensely proud of her son Tim and his family. Her face lit up when she spoke of her son, her grandchildren Ellie and Braden, and the life they shared, which brought her boundless happiness and pride.
Jean's presence will be deeply missed, but the legacy of her love, laughter, and gentle spirit will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her and in the warmth of the quilts she stitched with care.
Jean leaves behind her son Timothy (Emily) Wilcox, grandchildren Ellie Wilcox, and Braden Wilcox, along with her seven brothers and sisters, Gerald (Cindy) Buchholz, Jo Ann (Brad) Glarum, Thomas (Carolyn) Buchholz, Dennis (Elizabeth) Buchholz, Patricia (Loren) Freiborg, Kathleen (David) Valdez/Deplazes, Cynthia (Dale) Althoff.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Gregory Wilcox, parents Inez Buchholz-Woell, Kenneth Buchholz, and step-father John Woell.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the oncology nursing staff on the seventh floor at Sanford Hospital Broadway and to the team at Sanford Hospice House for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to Jean and her family during her final days.
A service to remember and celebrate her life will be held Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11:00am at West Funeral Home in Casselton, ND. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to services, with a lunch to follow. Burial will take place at the Buffalo Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Martin's Lutheran Quilters, a group dedicated to creating and donating quilts to local children and adults in need of warmth and comfort. Contributions can be sent to:
Martin's Lutheran Quilters
502 Martin's Ave N
Casselton, ND 58012
West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center
westfuneralhome.com
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