Betty Jenn
June 4, 1932 ~ December 23, 2009
Betty L. Jenn, age 77 of North Washington, Iowa died Wednesday December 23, 2009, at the Hiawatha Care Center in Hiawatha.
A Memorial Mass celebrating her life will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday December 28, 2009, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington with Monsignor Carl Schmitt officiating. Jane Karels will be the organist accompanied by the Immaculate Conception Men’s Choir. Lector for the service will be Tim Wilson. Presenting the offertory gifts will be Gary & Mary Lou Ries.
Burial will be in St. Mary‘s Cemetery, North Washington at a later date. Honorary pallbearers are Beau Lester, Blaine Lester, Raegan Lester, Will Frantzen, Andrew Frantzen, Ashley Jenn, Austin Jenn, Allison Jenn, Michael Wilson, Vaughn Wilson, Ries Wilson, Karsen Blackman, Marrisa Kienast, Bella Blocklinger, Benny Blocklinger, Gabriel Jenn and Capri Lester.
Friends may call 4 - 7 p.m. Sunday December 27, 2009, at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton where there will be a 5:30 p.m. Scripture Service. Further visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Betty was born June 4, 1932, in Luxemberg, IA, the daughter of George and Mathilda (Gassmann) Ries. Although Betty recounted falling in love with Norbert Jenn at the age of five, they waited until 1958 to be united in marriage in New Hampton. Betty proudly served as a waitress at the Main Diner in New Hampton before starting a family. Norbert and Betty lived on their farm for many years, while they raised their eight loving children. She was a long-time member of Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington. Betty and Norbert moved to New Hampton in 2006 and then to a nursing home in Hiawatha in July 2009. She enjoyed spending time with her beloved family and friends, reading, playing cards and relentlessly teasing everyone.
Survivors include her husband, Norbert; eight children, Peggy (Scott) Lester of New Hampton, IA, Laura (Ron) Frantzen of Ames, IA, Kevin (Chris) Jenn of Amherst, NE, Tracey (Tim) Wilson of Colfax, IA, Kerry (Todd) Kienast of Marion, IA, Torri Jenn of Marion, IA, Krista (Ronnie) Blocklinger of Cedar Rapids, IA, Kyle Jenn of Cedar Rapids, IA; 16 grandchildren, Beau (Ashley), Blaine, and Raegan Lester, Will and Andrew Frantzen, Ashley, Austin and Allison Jenn, Michael, Vaughn, and Ries Wilson, Karsen Blackman and Marissa Kienast, Isabella and Benjamin Blocklinger, and Gabriel Jenn; one great-grandaughter, Capri Lester; one brother, Gary (Mary Lou) Ries of North Washington; one sister, Joyce (Jerry) Lang of West Virgina.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Sylvis; three sisters, Anita Ries, Mary Katherine Golly and Lenora Dockendorf; and infant grandson, Samuel Blocklinger.
I am sorry to hear the news of Betty’s passing and send my condolences to everyone in her family. I have fond memories of Betty’s warm smile and wry humor. Our family was blessed to spend many summer vacations at her and Norbert’s farm. It was truely special for a city kid like myself to drink the fresh milk, chase kittens in the barn, play on the hay bales, ride the tractor, wade in the Wapsipinicin creek (never could spell it!) and have fun with my cousins. Betty made the world a better place and will be missed.
Our heartfelt sympathy to you all. I know Betty’s smile and humor will be missed.
Dear Laura, Ron/Peggy, Scott~ my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom/mother-in-law. Hope you find comfort in knowing she’s in the loving arms of God/Angels.
We were all saddened by the news of Betty’s death. It seems only a short time ago that she was playing cards, giving orders, and having a good time. Every one of us has their time and, even though we think it was too soon, she has gone to her place of rest. Please take comfort in the the fact that she was blessed with many good years, and a large family. Hold on to the memories, and thank Betty for being a big part of your lives. Our thoughts are with you. Mick, Jennifer, Bill, Bev, Julie, Mom & Dad
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. She was a spirited lady and so proud of her family. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. May you find peace in God and knowing she is with him now.
Our hearts are heavy today as we know you have suffered a great loss. Regrettably we were unable to attend the service, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you today. Kerry, you are part of our family and we love you. With much sympathy, Joe and Tara Barry
We are walking side by side you, when ever you are weak.
Since I can remember I looked forward every year to go and visit my Uncle Norbert and Auntie Betty and all my favorite cousins. Their household was always full of so, so many activities, much love and alot of laughter! As my own family grew over the years, I always kept Auntie Betty in my heart remembering all the times my mom, Louise Jenn, would bring me back to New Hampton. I admired how she managed her household and how much her children loved and respected her. Most of all I could see and feel the love that she and my uncle shared with one another. My heart is heavy but my love is still strong for her. She has been a wondeful blessing to us all! May she now rest in Peace with our Savior.
Norb and my Jenn cousins, I am so sorry for your loss. Make sure you cherish the memories you have, no one can ever take them away. My thoughts are with you and if there’s anytyhing I can do, please let me know. All my love, Gina
Dear Jenn Family I will truly miss your wife and mother. Being her brother-in-law for 7 years was a blessing to me. She treated me well and I will miss her smiling face and her great card playing ability. My condolances. Love to you all. Steve Mumm
We extend our sympathy to Betty’s family.
Kerry, your family is in my prayers. Thinking of you everyday.
in loving memory lance and family
Torri and family: I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I remember her baking cookies for us when we stayed over at your house for a birthday party. You are in my prayers. Love always. Sherri
Laura, Peggy and the Jenn family: I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s death. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Dear Norb and family, So sorry to hear of Betty Lou’s death. She was such a fun-loving person. I loved her laugh! I talked to Ruthi in Pinole, CA and told her. She and Betty were good friends all through school and after high school. May she rest in peace. Alice War Olathe, KS
Betty was such a dear friend. We enjoyed meeting each other for food, cards, or just chatting to keep up with families. Hated it when they moved to town; but time moved on. Jim and I want to reach out to Norb and family with our love. We pray that our Lord will strengthen you during this sad and difficult time. Love, Jim and Ethel
Dear Jenn Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. You know that Betty was always special to me since she was my godmother. Will always remember all of the times I had with your family. Janet
Jenn family, our deepest sympathy to you all.
Our deepest sympathies to your family. May your memories bring you comfort.
Norb, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this troubling time. Know that Betty is watching over all of you this Christmas season.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Our hearts are with you all. We are so glad we were able to meet and get to know your Mom over the years. Much love, The Kresses
Norb and family: Please accept our deepest sympathy during this difficult time for you and your family. You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers. Matt, Sarah, Madysen and Alex Albrecht, Ewa Beach, HI
Kyle, Very sorry to hear this, especially at this time of year. You’ve been a good friend over the years and i wish we could be there to pay our respects in person. Our thoughts are with you and the rest of your family. Matt, Sarah, Madysen, & Alex
Jenn family, Betty will be missed by everyone who has been touched by her gentle touch, her laughter, and kind words. Thanks Betty for being a great mother in-law and mom to me. You have always welcomed me and made me a part of your family. All my love, Ron
My deepest sympathy to the family. Knew Betty Lou well when we were kids, she was in my sister’s class.
Kerry and family, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. We pray that you feel the Lord’s loving arms around you! He is right there beside you … step-by-step. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Hugs, Brenda and Neil
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Jenn family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Raegan & family, we are so sorry to here about grandma Jenn,our prayer go out to all of you. She was a very good grandma to all of us,And like a mom to me when I was a little girl. God bless you all .