Jeanne Marie Heitman

Jeanne Marie Heitman

On May 22, 2024, Jeanne Marie Heitman, age 74, peacefully passed away ending her courageous battle with cancer. Jeanne joined her Lord and Savior while being surrounded by her family.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31st, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Quincy.  Pastor Randal Walter Schoemann will officiate. Visitation will be at Roseberry’s Funeral Home on Thursday, May 30th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again on Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. until the time of service

Jeanne was born on April 24,1950 to Howard and Marian Judy in Stoughton, Wis. She was raised on a dairy farm in Seymour, Wis. and graduated from Seymour High School in 1968. She graduated from UW-Stevens Point in Spring of 1972, majoring in elementary education. Howard and Marian raised their daughter to help and serve others where she could.

In the fall of 1972, she began her 35 year career at Adams-Friendship Area School District, teaching kindergarten at Pineland and Roche-a-Cri Grade Schools and second grade at Adams-Friendship Elementary. Jeanne was a dedicated and devoted educator providing a safe and structured classroom believing in her students’ potential.

On June 29, 1985, Jeanne married Larry Heitman on the front lawn of their home surrounded by friends and family. Throughout their 38 years of marriage, they remained devoted to each other and blended their families. Jeanne and Larry spent their marriage committed to each other and their children, teaching lessons of hard work. Jeanne would often help Larry maintain his family farm, by cutting, raking, and baling hay, and other farm chores.

Jeanne loved to tend to her flower beds and vegetable garden, baking and cooking for and with her family. Other hobbies included painting, reading, sewing and embroidery. Jeanne had the ability to create beautiful quilts, wall hangings, and Christmas stockings. She was a Boy Scout Den Mother. In addition to being a steadfast member, Jeanne was also involved in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Quincy.

Jeanne Heitman was first diagnosed with cancer in 1992, again in 2017 and in May 2022 reoccurring in 2023. Her greatest lesson to her students, family, and friends was always strength and resiliency. “The strength of a woman is not measured by the impact that all her hardships in life have had on her. The strength of a woman is measured by the extent of her refusal to allow those hardships dictate her and who she becomes.” (JoyBell C.)

For years, Jeanne, along with friend and neighbor, Ruth Ann Fritz, provided refreshments and honored fellow cancer survivors at the local American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Each survivor’s lap was a special and emotional moment for her family, being grateful for another year with their wife, mother, and grandmother. Jeanne supported the Castle Rock Ribbon Ride knowing how important it was to help others when she could.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Marian Judy; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and June Heitman.

Jeanne is survived by her loving husband, Larry; children, Jerry (Ann), Justin (Delmy), and Lauren; grandchildren, Austin, Jaazan, and Kacey; sister, Nancy (Terry) Flath; brother, John Judy; sister-in-law, Jean (Rich) Kleinfeldt; brother-in-laws, Lloyd (Roberta) and Don (Annette) Heitman. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or St. John’s Lutheran Church.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice for the care they provided.

Mom, if love was enough to save you, you would still be here with us.

Bookmark the permalink.

Condolences

  1. Dana and Charlie Johnson says:

    Our thoughts are with you. She was a fighter and will be remembered by many. Our sincerest condolences to the Heitman family.

  2. Kim Duncan says:

    So very sorry for your family’s loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeannie was a wonderful teacher and person.

  3. George and Nancy Hall says:

    Thinking of You, so sorry for Your loss.

  4. George Hall says:

    Thinking of You, so sorry for Your loss.

  5. Terry Ophoven says:

    Larry and family, my prayers are with you at this difficult time . Jeanne was such a sweet woman and went through way too much pain. I know she is at peace now. God Bless !

  6. Jack and Brenda Allen says:

    Dear Larry and family, We are so very sorry for your loss of Jeanne, who was such a devoted wife, mother and teacher and a gift to the community. Our deepest sympathy to you and your beautiful family. God Bless, Jack and Brenda Allen

  7. Catherine A Grabarski says:

    very sorry for your loss, Jeannie was a great person and touched many as a great teacher

  8. Nina Nelson says:

    My sympathy to Jeanne’s family. You are all in my prayers.

  9. Howard and Carol Fischer says:

    Larry and family,

    We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

  10. Katie Wagner says:

    Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Heitman family.

  11. Tammy Ross says:

    So sorry to hear, she was a beautiful lady. Sending our deepest sympathies to the family

  12. Cindy Babcock says:

    My condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  13. Teresa Marti says:

    Our sincere sympathy to the Heitman family for the loss of Jeannie. Rubber and Teresa Marti

  14. Julie and Bob Goodhue says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeanne’s family at this sad time. May your good memories of happy times spent together help you in the days to come.

  15. Barb Bennett says:

    Love and sympathy to all of Jeannie’s family. What a wonderful person she was. Anyone who had her for a teacher was truly blessed as she was so caring & cheerful. RIP !

  16. Curtie & Michelle Pollex says:

    To the family and friends of Jeanne, we were so sorry to hear of her passing. Please know that we are thinking of ya’ll and sending lots of hugs & prayers. 🥰🙏✝️ She had a wonderful faith in God and she is definitely an Angel 😇 now in heaven, gone too soon but resting peacefully now and no more pain.

    Our oldest daughter, Cassondra had her as her 2nd grade teacher at A-F Elementary and she was a very good teacher. I’m sure she touched many students thru the years!! ♥️

    What a wonderful family she has left behind and the sadness ya’ll must be feeling. 😢 Thank Goodness that ya’ll have a strong faith in God and know he always has a plan thru our pain and he needed her more. 😇✝️ Cherish the memories and that love will always remain…until ya’ll are reunited again! ♥️

    May God comfort the broken hearts as ya’ll learn to live without her. Just remember she is always with you…watching and she will send signs. 😇 God’s Peace 🕊️ we wish for everyone. 🙏✝️♥️🥰

  17. Desiree Schlafer (Cekan) says:

    My Sincere Condolences 💐 to the Family of Jeanne. I remember Jeanne when she was my kindergarten teacher at Roche-A-Cri grade school! I knew her as Mrs. Clay 💕 she was a wonderful lady! And great teacher. R.I.P 🕊️💐

  18. Dean Gore says:

    Larry and family sorry for your loss.

  19. Marilynn Janiszewski says:

    I met Jeanne at UW Madison early morning of February 5th, 2017. We were both scheduled for cancer surgery. We just casually began talking and wishing each other good luck and good wishes. Talking to someone else going through cancer surgery was soothing to me. I was terrified but she comforted me. After my 12 hours of surgery I asked my husband about her but he had no answer for me. I will say this…her memory will live on in all the hearts she has touched…heaven has gained another angel! 🙏

  20. Bob & Tina Bennett says:

    Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you and your family. Jeanne was quite the lady. We were all fortunate to have known her.

  21. Thomas Schilling says:

    So sorry for your loss Larry and Family.

  22. Sandy Reinke says:

    Sending prayers for peace and comfort to the family.

  23. Katrina Schmidtke says:

    Thinking of you always.

  24. Lois and Herb Babcock says:

    Larry and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. She will always be in our hearts.

  25. Monica Twachtman-Arndt says:

    Sorry for your loss. A lot of fond memories with Jeannie and my mom.

  26. Tom Berndt says:

    When I went to the farm as a youngster Jeanne took care of me and I will always remember how thoughtful and kind she was. Everyone who knew her thought the same. She made life better for all of us.

  27. Rushell Moyer says:

    My deepest sympathy to the whole family. Jean was a wonderful lady and a great teacher.

  28. Angie and family says:

    Dear Larry and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences from Germany.

  29. Bob and Janis Cada says:

    What a wonderful woman Jean was. Hugs and prayers to the Heitman family. May the memories, love and prayers you all share comfort you during this difficult time.

  30. Cathy Rathermel says:

    Larry and family, I am so saddened to hear that such a wonderful lady is gone. Wishing you love, prayers and God’s light during this time. An angel left too early.

  31. Bruce & Cheri Nachreiner says:

    Larry and family, we are so very sad to hear of Jeanne’s passing. Such a special, strong woman and devoted teacher. We are keeping your family in our prayers.

  32. Tammy says:

    My condolences are with all the family at this time. Jeanne was both my sons teacher they loved her so much. I as well loved her so much she was apart of all of our lives, the conversations were so amazing where we did not want to end them. She will be missed by my family so much. Again I am sorry and my condolences to all of you. God bless.

  33. Anita & Don Genrich says:

    Our thoughts are with you, Larry, and your family. May the memories and Jeanne’s love give you comfort as you grieve. She fought the good fight and is now receiving complete healing and joy in the LORD’S arms.

  34. Catherine Fell says:

    Jeannie Heitmans family.! Ian sorry for your loss. Jeannie was a beautiful woman n very caring about her teaching. She will be missed dearly. God hold you in the palm of Hims hand and comfort you.

  35. Ann Pourchot says:

    So sorry for your families loss! She was a wonderful lady! Sending hugs and prayers!

  36. Bill and Sandy Euclide says:

    So sorry for your loss Larry and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  37. Jonathan and Melanie Nawrot says:

    Our hearts go out to your family during this difficult time. Jeanne was an amazing woman and will be greatly missed by so many . God gained a beautiful angel.

  38. Denise Schmidt says:

    Lauren and Family, your mom was my Kindergarten teacher, and I wouldn’t be were I am today had it not been for her incredible patience and talent as a teacher of young children. I took care of you in daycare and your mom was always very proud of all the things that you did. Hold on to the many memories and allow them to help you heal your pain. Your mom is free from the constant battle of pain and heaven has gained a special angel way to soon.

  39. Lori Machmueller says:

    So very sorry for your loss

  40. Dennis and Judy Allen says:

    To the Heitman family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Let all of the wonderful memories of Jeanne give you strength, she is in a better place, RIP Jeanne. Your friends, Dennis and Judy Allen

  41. Pat Pietrzak says:

    Larry and family, So sorry for your loss. She fought a long hard battle with so much strength and dignity. A special person for sure. Hold tight to your memories.

  42. Gary and Pam Barnes says:

    Thinking of you Larry and Family. Hugs and prayers.

  43. Debbi & Nick Segina says:

    We’re sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace.

  44. Dick and Marj Colby says:

    So sorry to hear of Jeanns-s passing. She was a special lady. Treasure your memories.

  45. Shari and Joe Lobenstein says:

    Larry and family…may wonderful memories sustain you in your deep grief;

  46. Danna Peterson says:

    Ms. Judy was my kindergarten teacher at Roche-a-Cri. Then, when I started teaching at AFE, Jeanne (Mrs. Heitman) became a colleague. In both roles, she taught me so much. She will indeed be missed. Heartfelt prayers to her family.

  47. Sandy Pheiffer says:

    Larry, Lauren and the Rest of the Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember when Jeanne was first diagnosed in 1992. She faced cancer head on and put forward a valiant effort to stave it off. I’ve always loved driving by your house and seeing her lovely gardens. May hosts of angels sing her to her well earned rest. May sweet peace and beautiful memories sustain you during this difficult time.

  48. Dawn & Rock Stone & sons says:

    Sincerest sympathy to you all. Knowing Jeanne is at peace & pain free in Heaven helps to ease the loss.
    I have many good memories teaching alongside Jeanne at GM, those RR union meeting with the wives and many chats.
    Remember the good times!

  49. Sandy Austin says:

    So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Lauren. Rest in peace, Mrs. Heitman.

  50. Pat Robinson says:

    Lauren & family, So sorry for your loss she was a great Lady. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

  51. Danny mueller says:

    Larry and family Jean was a wonderful person she always was kind and loving when we’re growing up she was more like a sister to us than a cousin. My prayers are with you sll

  52. Danny mueller says:

    Larry and family god didn’t put a better woman or human being on earth she was like a sister to me snd brother jay. She will always be remembered fondly my prayers are with you all

  53. Jeanette and Eric Dryden says:

    Sincere condolences and continued prayers for such a beautiful family. May your memories get you all through the hardest of days.

  54. Theresa Ravenscroft says:

    I am so sad to hear this, she was my kindergarten teacher and a beautiful lady. To me, she will always be Miss Judy….. may God bless her

  55. Myrna hickey says:

    My family moved here in January 1985 and were welcomed by her and the ladies of st. John..she was my granddaughter kalie Hickey crums favorite teacher. She was the example of one of our lords angels among us. Much love to the family..

  56. Jean Marie Hilson says:

    My kindergarten teacher. I will always remember her as Miss Judy. She was a very special lady. So sorry for your loss.

  57. Creaky says:

    I am so deeply saddened by this. My heart breaks for you all! She inspired so many of us at a young age. She truly is one that made me..me as a young child. I truly loved her💔

  58. Chuck and Julie schnolis says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Jeanne has a heart of gold and a beautiful smile. She’s now your angel.

  59. Theresa David says:

    We are so sad to hear of Jeanne’s passing. She was an example of strength and dignity. God bless you all as you navigate this difficult time. Dennis and Theresa David and family

  60. Lance and Karen Hover says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

  61. Scott Becky Erin and Brett Pease says:

    Our deepest condolences Lauren and family.

  62. Rick and Brianna Carlson says:

    So sorry for your loss, our condolences.

  63. Deb Diemert says:

    Jeanne was a remarkable woman whose strong character helped her to guide so many of her students at AFE to success. It was an honor to work with her and my condolences go out to you.

  64. Peg Lecy says:

    May God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time

  65. Jodi Helgeson and Jim Grabarski says:

    Jeanne was such a wonderful person. When she taught kindergarten at Roche a Cri, I was in 8th grade and helped her as an assistant. During her recent reoccurrence, we would talk flowers when I would drop a garden bouquet off. I know her faith was strong. Jim and I extend our sympathy to you all.