Jeanne Fleek

Jeanne (Sayovitz) Fleek, who would have been 83 in October, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. 

She was born and lived in Ely until she graduated from High School. She had found memories of being a cheerleader. After graduation, she moved to the Twin Cities. After raising her children, she worked as a bookkeeper at Ziegler and Tri-State Bobcat Her greatest adventure was going to Hawaii with her brother's family - oh, the stories they shared! She loved her dogs, cats and adopted many retired racing greyhounds. These last few years she enjoyed her dog Trixie, cheering for the Vikings (she was hopeful they would win the Superbowl before she passed), watching her soap opera and westerns on the TV. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, laugh, smile and warmth. Her kids, she felt, were her greatest.

She is survived by her daughters Linda (Terry) Borgerding, Lisa Fleek (Joe Tauer) and son Matt (Ann) Fleek, brother Frank (Shirley) Sayovitz, 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 2 nephews and 1 niece. Jeanne was preceded in death by her mother and father, Jennie & Frank Sayovitz.

Her Memorial Mass will be held on October 23 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely. Per her request, there will be no visitation. She will be laid to rest at Ely Cemetery after the mass. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a dog rescue of your choice or Northern Lights Greyhound Adoption.