Jeanette Geneva Von Essen, 97, of Marion, Iowa, formerly of Oxford Junction and Lost Nation went to be with the Lord surrounded by her family on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Linn Manor Care Center, Marion. The family will greet friends from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ascension Lutheran Church, Marion. Funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church on Saturday conducted by Pastor Katie Lowe Lancaster. Burial will take place at Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters and sons-in-law, Joan and Jack Dutton, Marion, Ida Mae and Darrell Ketelsen, Ankeny, Sandra and Bob Cronbaugh, Solon, and Teri and Tom St. John, Marion; sister, Evelyn Petersen, Baldwin; sister-in-law, Carol Smith, Durant; grandchildren, Kris Larson, Deb Eggers, Pam Williams, Sheri Forsythe, Lori Beal, Kim Speas, Kelli Chapman, Lisa Weiland, Joel Curtis, Troy Cronbaugh, Trena Haynes, Rodney St. John and Randi Juergens; 32 great-grandchildren; twelve great-great grandchildren; and special nephew, Marvin Licht.
Jeanette was born December 27, 1920, to Harold and Edna (Siebel) Smith in Big Rock, Iowa. She was married to Arnold Von Essen for 64 years before he passed in 2003. Jeanette enjoyed and loved her family. She will be remembered for being a master in the kitchen, especially her pies and angel food birthday cakes. Jeanette also enjoyed the outdoors with her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold; her parents; brother, Harold Smith; sister, Margie Rife; and great-grandson, Joshua Scanlon.
Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous, P. O. Box 418, Monticello, Iowa 52310, Ascension Lutheran Church, 2210 Grand Avenue, Marion, Iowa 52302 or Unity Point Health – Hospice, 290 Blairs Ferry Road NE Suite 100, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402