Lexington, Kentucky - Born November 20, 1921 to Carolyn Mills Vogt and John Fred Vogt of Rockford, IL, Jean was an only child who grew up with four first cousins in an envelope of lifelong love. Jean graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Home Economics & Clothing Design. The chemistry courses she took in college led her to work at a steel mill in Chicago for a year to help with the World War II effort. Upon moving home to Rockford, she volunteered at the USO. There, Jean met Karl Michler at a dance for soldiers who were preparing to be sent overseas. After stressful war years and daily love letters, they married and eventually settled in Lexington, KY where they raised two children.
Jean joined the creative work efforts at Michler Florist as the wedding consultant and designer, creating bridal bouquets for hundreds of Lexington brides from the 1960s through the 1990s, while simultaneously keeping a beautiful home for entertaining family and friends. One of her greatest pleasures was working on her elaborate colonial era dollhouse, which she proudly displayed in her living room. Jean enjoyed travelling the world with her husband, Karl. Her last years were spent with him, reminiscing about these travels from the comfort of a matching pair of recliners in their beloved home, where she passed on at the age of 99.
Jean is survived by Karl, her husband of 75 years; two children, Carol Lynn (Richard) Detmer & John (Claudia) Michler; 5 grandchildren, Kristina Detmer (Tom Frankman), Laura Detmer Cody (Jim), Robin Michler (Penina Goldstein), Daniel Michler, and Jessamine Michler; and 6 great-grandsons, Michael, Charlie, Joshua, Simon, Jacob, and Ira.
Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00pm, Sunday, August 8th at Central Christian Church located at 205 East Short St., Lexington with funeral service to follow at 4:00pm.