Jean Luanne Dubell

Jean Luann Dubell, 85, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at Open Arms Senior Living with her family by her side. Though the last few years brought challenges following her 2017 diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia, Jean's spirit remained bright. If you asked how she was doing, she would tell you every day is a good day

Jean was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on May 9, 1940, to Vernon and Margaret Burke. She graduated from Duluth East High School in 1958. Jean devoted herself to raising her children before beginning her career selling Tupperware and later working in Medical Records at Essentia until her retirement.

Family gatherings and time with her grandchildren brought Jean her greatest joy. She was also known for her love of polka dancing, Sammy’s pizza, and her dedication to knitting mittens for Shriners Children's Hospital, earning her the affectionate nickname "The Mitten Lady."

Jean is survived by her children Nancy Carlson, Jeff Johnson, and Lynne Grover (Jayson); stepchildren Rebecca (Tabor) Hanson, Kathrynne (Jacob) Dryke, and Zachary Dubell; grandchildren Joshua, Danielle, Courtney, Alex, Dalton, Kayla, Sydney, Stella, Maxwell, and Simon; great-grandchildren Cooper, Deegan, Kayson, and Ella; and her sisters Marian (Bob) Denno and Susan (Ray Klosowski) Thompson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Dubell; her sister, Virginia Burke; and her former husband, David Johnson.

Celebration of Life will be held on February 25, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:00pm at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 East 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire staff and caregivers at Open Arms for their exceptional care and for treating Jean as one of their own.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.