Genevieve Jane Soltau passed away peacefully on June 23, 2018. She was born to George and Josephine Raino in Chicago, IL on March 8, 1927. After growing up during the Depression and World War II, Jennie caught the eye of a handsome and entertaining young man, William J. Soltau (Bill). They married on a cold, snowy day in 1947. From 1949 through 1980 Jennie raised five children creating a loving family: Mary Fogos, Georgetown, KY; Will, Sointula, BC; Steve, Clearwater, FL; Joe, Largo, FL; Jim, Canton, MI; and baby Susan, who died at two weeks young in 1953. Because Jennie so loved having babies in the house, she became a foster parent providing a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for children. The joy of baby laughter and squeals always filled the home. Sadly, Bill passed away in 1994 from cancer and she never filled that void.
After her children were raised, Jennie decided it was time to recreate herself and started nursing classes at Wayne State University in Detroit. There she persevered and with the tenacity of a Mom earned her RN and a Master's Degree in Nursing. She then started her second career at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital working her way from nights and weekends to eventually becoming the Charge Nurse.
Jennie passed peacefully of heart failure at Georgetown Community Hospital in Kentucky. Her loving heart that gave so much to so many could finally give no more. The memory of Jennie's love and energy will stay alive for eternity. She will be missed by many. Jennie is survived by five children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Jennie's ashes will be placed to rest alongside her loving husband Bill at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI.
If you wish to do so, donations can be made in her name to your local foster babies' organization, nurse's fund, or American Heart Association. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tuckeryocumwilson.com
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