Martha Jane McLean

Martha “Jane” McLean was born on November 12, 1928, at Duluth, Minnesota, the only child of Mabel and Paul Winks. She passed away peacefully at Cornerstone Senior Care in Bagley, MN, with family by her side on May 29, 2026.

Jane married Bill McLean, the love of her life, on September 10, 1948, and they shared over 71 years together, until Bill’s death in 2020. They lived in many places due to Bill's career, including Illinois where all four of their children were born. They moved the family to Bemidji in 1969 where Jane enjoyed gardening, bowling, curling, fishing, memberships with the Sons of Norway and the Lioness, and supporting her kids in their growing up activities. They lived at Turtle River Lake for a few years where memories were made at family get togethers as their family grew to include grandchildren. However, Duluth called them back and they lived there for over 20 years enjoying life in their hometown. Jane especially enjoyed the social life that Gramercy Cooperative provided while living there; making new friends and playing games like poker and bingo. They also traveled to the Gulf Coast in the winters for a few years, where Jane enjoyed deep-sea fishing, beach combing, and just enjoying the sun. Jane loved a good time! Because of failing health, they spent their final years back at Bemidji where they were closer to family. Alzheimer’s Disease robbed Jane of her personality and so much more for over 9 years, but she faced it courageously without complaint.

Jane is survived by daughter, Sue (John) Carstens of Roseau, Scott (Saundra) McLean of Bemidji; grandchildren, Sam Carstens, Anna Mensing, Ben, Matthew, Alanna, Jessica, and Nicole McLean; great-grandchildren, Dominick, Mali, Addison, Torin, Sylys, Ayla, Cedric, and Geneva.

She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Steve and Bruce.

Many thanks to the people who cared for Jane with understanding and compassion over the past years at WoodsEdge in Bemidji and more recently Cornerstone Residence Senior Care of Bagley and HIA Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice.

A funeral service for Jane McLean will be held Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 11:00 at Dougherty Funeral Home in Duluth with visitation an hour prior. Christian burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth.