Dianne Jelinek

Dianne “Dee” Jelinek, 76, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024, in the loving care of her family.

Her life began February 2, 1948, the youngest daughter of Dayle E. and Marjorie (Frost) Weller. 

Dee graduated from Three Oaks High School in 1966.  She attended Michigan State University for three years and completed her bachelor’s degree at Eckert College in St. Petersburg, Florida.  She pursued her master’s degree at Western Michigan University. 

After sixteen years working at The Bank of Three Oaks, Dee moved to Florida, where she was the Executive Director of The Treasure Island Chamber of Commerce.  She organized thousands of volunteers who built the World’s Largest Sandcastle (Guinness Book) in 1986.  She had been one of the founding members of the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce before moving to Florida.  Dee returned to Three Oaks in 1991 as Vice President of Harbor Country Banking Company.  She taught business classes at Michiana College (now Brown Mackie) in South Bend and retired from the college as Director of Business Programs in 2010.  She had the privilege of caring for her parents for thirty years.

Dee is survived by her loving husband, Senator Ron Jelinek; beloved son, Jamie (Summer) Hollenbeck; stepdaughter, Jill (Jesse) Glossinger; grandchildren, Ben Hollenbeck, Jack Hollenbeck, Owen Glossinger, Bryce Glossinger; niece, Brita Lumis; nephew, Eric Lumis; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Rebecca; sister, Daylene Lumis; and brother, Wayne Weller.

Dee was blessed with many dear friends, including her best life-long friend, Kate Benington, her wonderful knitting chicks, her church family, and her Florida friends. 

She enjoyed Torch Lake, boating, and traveling to Tractor Shows & Antique Car activities with Ron and all the friends they made along the way.  Dee’s caring and cheerful personality will be missed by the family and friends she adored.  She shared her optimistic faith with all she met.

Family and friends will gather Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks.  A funeral service will be held Monday, October 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in Maple Grove United Methodist Church, 6655 East 1000 North, New Carlisle, Indiana.

Dee will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Dee be made to Maple Grove United Methodist Church 6655 East 1000 North, New Carlisle, Indiana 46552 or The Region of Three Oaks Museum, 5 Featherbone Avenue, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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