Lenore Jerde

Lenore M. "Tommy" Jerden, age 91, of Highland, died at 5 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Highland.
She was born on Jan. 17, 1919, in Pocahontas, the daughter of the late Phillip J. and Julia B. Koch Pacatte. Her father preceded on Jan. 10, 1984, and her mother on May 25, 1976.
She married William M. Jerden on Sept. 7, 1939, in Chicago. He preceded her in death on Sept. 5, 1987.
She is survived by a daughter, Barbara J. (James "Hutch") Hutcherson of Elizabethtown, Ky.; a grandchild, Samantha J. Hutcherson of Lawrenceville, N.J.; a brother, Marvin (Bea) Pacatte of Pocahontas; three sisters, Orleen Henry of Spring, Texas, Mildred Loyet of St. Louis, Mo., and Marilyn (John) Walker of Elk Grove; a brother-in-law, George Towle of Topeka, Kan.; and sister-in-law, Pat Pacatte of Howes Cave, N.Y.
Along with her parents and her husband, she is preceded in death by three brothers, Bernell Pacatte, James Pacatte and Merle Pacatte; and two sisters, Doris Pacatte and Jeannette Towle.
Mrs. Jerden was born in Pocahontas and graduated from St. Paul High School in 1936.
She worked for St. John's Hospital in Springfield. She also lived in Chicago and Milwaukee, Wisc.
During World War II, she was a supervisor with AO Smith Bomb Plant in Milwaukee.
She and her husband operated Ben Franklin Stores in Grayville and Hamilton for many years. She retired and moved to Highland in 1979.
She enjoyed reading, crocheting, knitting and playing cards.
Her memberships included the Kitchen Kids Band; Royal Neighbors of America, and Highland Camp #1957.
Visitation will be on Sunday, Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Highland Holiday Inn Express in Highland.
There will be no services, as per her wishes, and her body was gifted to the St. Louis University School of Medicine.
Memorials may be made to the Highland Home.
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland is in charge of arrangements.