Jeanene was born to Sylvia Nelson in Albert Lea on October 19, 1939. She was raised by her grandparents (at the same location where she and her husband would later build their last home) while her mom worked as a nanny.

Jeanene K. Reese

At the age of 6, her mother married Raynard Jepson. They then moved to the farm where she grew up. Jeanene attended District 22 Grade School for grades 1-8, later graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1957.

She married the love of her life, Boyd R. Reese on June 25, 1957, at First Baptist Church in Clarks Grove, MN. They were blessed with five children: Dan Reese (Sandy) of Owatonna, Kristi Nelson (Ove) of Liberty, Mo, Randy Reese of Edina, Paul Reese (Angie) of Andover, and Karri Reese of Albert Lea. Boyd and Jeanene also had 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Jeanene is preceded in death by her brother Gary Jepson, granddaughter Jessica Reese, 2 Grandsons: Boy and Forrest Jon Bangert, and 3 great-grandsons: Preston, Bryce, and Dominic.

Jeanene’s siblings were very dear to her. She loved planning the sibling reunion. Her siblings Ray (Bunny) Jepson of Albert Lea, Alan (Pat) Jepson of Albert Lea, Robin (Jan) Jepson of Clermont, Florida, and Julie Eckert, of Garner, Iowa. Later in life, she met her sister Karen Brown, previously of Austin.

Boyd and Jeanene loved to travel with their children. They had many memorable trips. One, in particular, was a month-long trip to the west coast.

As a loving parent, she was the Room Mother for each of her five children when they were in grade school and a Brownie Leader. As her children were growing up, she loved to play women’s softball on the Home Lumber Team. Additionally, she was employed at Naeve Hospital for over 30 years.

Jeanene was also an active member of the Clarks Grove Baptist Church for over 70 years where she also enjoyed being an involved member of her Adult Sunday School Class. Jeanene also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School every summer. She was also active as a Silver Circle Leader in her church. In her later years, Jeanene loved quilting and was a member of the Dorcus Quilting Circle. She also enjoyed being a member of the Clarks Grove Historical Museum.

Boyd and Jeanene enjoyed wintering in Alamo, Texas. While in Texas she enjoyed participating in the quilters group and helping others with their projects.

Jeanene passed away peacefully at her home on May 31, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Clarks Grove, MN; Pastor Jamie Cameron will officiate. Jeanene’s family will greet guests at a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at the Clarks Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given in Jeanene’s honor to First Baptist Church, 205 2nd St SE, Clarks Grove, MN 56016.