Jean R. Symalla, 80, Waite Park

March 31, 1934 - January 18, 2015

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waite Park for Jean R. Symalla, age 80, of Waite Park who passed away on Sunday. Rev. Mark Innocenti will officiate and private burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Jean was born March 31, 1934 to Lad and Helen (Eich) Kuffel in St. Cloud. After graduating from Cathedral High School in 1952, Jean earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from SCSU. Jean taught in the Kimball and St. Cloud School Districts. In 1958, she married the love of her life, Matt Symalla. Jean enjoyed daily crossword and sudoku puzzles and watch cooking shows. She enjoyed reading, gardening, knitting and playing games with her grandchildren. Jean was active in many parish groups and ministries at St. Joseph’s Church throughout her life. She was loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Jean is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Matt; her four children, Greg of St. Cloud, Dick (Jane) of Waite Park, Julie (Tim) Clary of IN, Katie (Mike) Kunkel of St. Augusta; 9 grandchildren, Amber, Chadd, Sam, Joe, Morgan, Colin, Ronan, Lainey, Quinn; siblings, Mary (Ed) Briol of Bloomington, Jim (Jeanne) Kuffel of WI and Don (Pricilla) of SC. She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.