Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
Dec 22, 1920 – Mar 4, 2022
Jeanne Elizabeth Gaenslen (née Sweet) was born to eternal life on March 4, 2022 at the age of 101. She passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by family. She was born in Beloit, WI on December 22, 1920 to her parents Howard and Leone Sweet who soon moved to Madison, where she grew up, graduating from Madison West High School. She then attended St Agnes School of Nursing in Fond du Lac, WI. Following graduation from nursing school she joined the nursing staff at University Hospital in Madison, where she met her husband Dr. Frederick Gaenslen. Following Fred's tour of duty in World War II they moved to Milwaukee in 1945 to establish his medical practice. After nearly 50 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on December 1, 1992. Together the two enjoyed a life filled with many great friendships, travel, professional satisfaction, tennis, and the joys of raising a family. Throughout her life she was involved in numerous volunteer positions in organizations serving the greater Milwaukee community (notably Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, the Laubach Literacy Center, the ARC, Volunteer Services for the Visually Handicapped and North Shore Congregational Church providing meals for St. Ben's Loaves & Fishes) giving this up only recently in her 100th year.
She was also preceded in death by her daughter Barbara (age 4), daughter Christine (age 70), sister Jacqueline Hegbar, brother Elliott Sweet, and sister-in-law Marion Sweet. She is survived by her children Fritz Gaenslen (Kristin Driscoll), Heidi Hoogwerf, Eric Gaenslen (Kitty), Eddie and Jean Smith (dear close friends) and grandchildren Geoffrey Gaenslen (Lisa), Rebecca Hoogwerf (Jena), Patrick Sullivan, Rachael Gaenslen Powers (Chris), Katie Sullivan, Daniel Gaenslen, Kevin Gaenslen, Ben Gaenslen and dear Braylen Humphrey. She is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews.
The family is forever grateful for the love and care Jeanne received from her caregivers: Lonna, Sheri, Mary, Angela, Renee, Andrea and Sheila. Special appreciation goes out to Horizon Home Care & Hospice.
A celebration of Jeanne's life will be held at North Shore Congregational Church, 7330 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Fox Point on Sunday March 13 at 2:00 PM. Memorials to Milwaukee Center for Independence or North Shore Congregational Church.
Read MoreJeanne Gaenslen is our beloved and admired aunt. I deeply regret being unable to attend the services to celebrate the life of this remarkable woman and to see and visit with her cherished family.
Laura Alford Cotts
March 12, 2022 | Cedar City, UT | Family
Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED
Alice, Edie, and Chick (High)
March 09, 2022
Jeanne and her husband Fred, and their children were an integral part of my childhood and that of my siblings. She and Fred were great friends of my parents, Anne and Howard High, and an important part of the “doctors’ group.” I think she was the last surviving member of that great group of friends. Sending much love from Alice High Sperling, Chick High, and Edie High Sanchez.
Alice Sperling
March 09, 2022 | Philomath, OR | Friend
A wonderful woman who worked through her challenges and managed to find the positives in situations. Incredibly thoughtful, astutely observant, a discerning, engaged participant in the lives of many. Jeanne’s presence will be missed by many. Her many stories will be retold and shared in many situations.
Barbara Holzhauer
March 08, 2022 | New Berlin, WI | Friend
Jack Ryan
March 07, 2022 | Mequon, WI