Jeanette R. Zirbes

1932 - 2024

Jeanette Rose Zirbes, 92 of Rochester, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2024, at her home with her family by her side.

Jeanette Rose McCauley was born on March 20, 1932, in Caledonia, MN to Edward and Rose (Miller) McCauley. She graduated from Loretto High School in Caledonia in 1949. She then attended Secretarial School at Winona, MN. She began work for 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing) shortly thereafter. She married Joseph Zirbes in Caledonia, MN at St. John's Catholic Church. They were later divorced. The couple lived in LaCrosse and LaCrescent for a short time before moving to Rochester. Jeanette worked in Rochester at The Pinnacle Restaurant in the Kahler Hotel and Michael's Restaurant before going back to school at the age of 50 to become a Unit Coordinator/Secretary at Mayo Clinic, Generose Building. She retired in 2001 and took her first of three trips to Ireland with family, celebrating her retirement.

Jeanette was a great cook, enjoyed family gatherings, was unbeatable at Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble, was an avid reader and liked crossword puzzles.

Jeanette was loved by many and always took an interest in getting to know others. She especially loved her grand and great-grandchildren and her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is survived by her children Michael (Terrie) of Byron, MN, Mary (Sam Gardner) of Rochester, John (Mary Jo) of Victoria, MN, her brother Tom McCauley of Cottage Grove, MN, her sister Kathy (Del) Cochran of Proctor, MN, sister-in-law Judy McCauley of St. Paul, MN, grandchildren Michael (Bobbi) Zirbes, Sarah (Josh) Bergman, Kyle Zirbes, Jaclyn Zirbes, great-grandchildren Harper, Gabe, Luke and Grace.

She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Alan and Paul (Virginia), and her sister-in-law Regina McCauley.

The Memorial Service for Jeanette will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 20, 2024 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home officiated by Father Doug Robertson, Jeanette's nephew. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the chapel. A reception will follow in the River Park Reception Hall, connected to the chapel. Burial will be at a later date at Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia, MN.

Memorials in Jeanette's name are preferred to Mayo Clinic, through their giving-portal https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donatemc

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com