We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Jean Kokkeler
Jean's Old Fashioned Bakery was a favorite among residents across the Hi-line from the time Jean opened her doors until the sad day in July of 2013 when she decided to close them. Her goods received rave reviews and were sought after daily. Jean's famous Cheeseburger soup and bread bowl was among the favorites as were those Cream Puffs she made. If you ever had either, you certainly remember how good they made you feel.
It's safe to say it was a sad day when the doors closed for the final time. This Friday from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Wallner Hall, you will once again be able to enjoy one of Jean's wonderful creations. Brad Taylor has volunteered to play music during the event and the sounds will certainly complete a what was already set to be a great night.
So, when Jean approached the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation about doing a fundraiser and bringing back Jean's Old Fashioned Bakery for one day, the response was just as you would expect. "We're just beyond blown away and thankful for her doing that," said Heather DePriest, spokesperson for the Foundation. "She approached us about wanting to do it and of course we were more than excited when we heard that. It was an extremely popular place when it was open, everybody loved it, the cream puffs, cheeseburger soup, wow."
DePriest commented on Jean's dedication and commitment to helping the Foundation achieve its goals, "Jean is donating everything for the fundraiser along with her daughter Shelby Nemetz (Nemetz Livestock). The amount of giving out of her is very humbling. She is such an amazing supporter of the foundation and everything we are doing. Jean even donated all the items for the little kids' give-away at the Brewfest we held in October.
Jean is a huge supporter of the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundations mission and has always wanted to do her part in helping them achieve their goal, "It's a great cause, something I feel very strongly about and now that they have a special election to help establish a recreation district things are really moving. They (The Foundation) have worked tirelessly trying to raise money and doing so much fundraising, I wanted to do my part."
The response to Jean's one day revival in the community has been outstanding. People are quick to point out how long they have been craving one of her cream puffs and other baked goods. A resident at the Grand Villa mentioned how they will be making their way uptown to have her cheeseburger soup bowl as soon as it's ready. "I love baking, absolutely love it, I'll cook but I love to bake," said Jean. I think folks out and about Friday night will certainly be happy she is back for even just one day.
Jean has plenty of help to assist her and is exceedingly grateful for one individual in particular, "Katie Unruh has been a big supporter of what we are doing and has donated the baked goods for the most part. She is also volunteering to work the baked good table and is taking orders for me as well."
For those looking to procure some delicious goods for the holiday season Jean will have plenty available, "Katie will be taking orders for pies, cream puffs and caramel rolls during the Parade of Lights, Friday night. I will have items ready for delivery after I get back from vacation. Goods will be available December 15 through December 23. Katie is a good one to have working hand in hand with the Pool and Park Foundations, she's a little spitfire for sure."
Jean wanted to also mention the support from the Foundation as well, "They will be there, helping out with everything. It's a big project and it takes a lot of good hands to get it done right." The crew will gladly get you Hamburger Vegetable or Cheeseburger Soup in a Bread Bowl with a Brownie to go along with your choice of Coffee, Tea, Cocoa or Cider. It is a Free Will Offering set up.
Katie Unruh brings so much to the table with what she is doing, and the night is sure to be a tremendous success with her touch being added to it. "Jean being willing to donate her time, famous cheeseburger soup and cream puffs was a welcomed shock and awe for the Friends of the Pool and Park. It's Jean's way of making her contribution with her own funds.
The atmosphere already created by the event makes it all worthwhile, "Jean is making it a fun event in the community, for all to share the spoonsful of a bit of nostalgic good old days. When I heard Jean was doing this event, it motivated me to also donate some baked goods. When I also baked for the Brewfest silent auction quite a few people contacted me about the carrot bread asking me to make more. It will be available for Jeans Soup night," stated Katie. "Along with zucchini, banana, blueberry, and whatever else I can think to bake."
One thing is for certain, regardless of the weather outside all those who stop into Wallner Hall will get to enjoy a warm cheerful atmosphere as well as some scrumptious food, bread and great desserts. Plus, you get to support the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation while doing so. Hope to see everyone there!
