Jessamine Bridell Scheele

West Lafayette -

Jessamine Bridell Scheele, 80, of West Lafayette, passed away on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at IU Health Arnett. She was born October 29, 1937, in Clayton, Missouri, to Albert M. and Emlee Blauner Bridell.

Jessamine graduated from Highland Park High School, Highland Park, IL. She attended Lake Forest College where she met her future husband Henry Z. Scheele. They were married on August 25, 1956, in Highland Park, IL. Married for 62 years, Henry passed away in July 18, 2018. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Purdue University.

She was employed by Purdue University for over 25 years as a Continuing Lecturer.

She volunteered at the Feast of the Hunter's Moon and the West Lafayette Public Library; was a member of the West Lafayette School Board, Monday Club, and Gamma Phi Beta; and was active in neighborhood associations including leading the North Chauncey Ave. 4th of July parade for 50 years.

Surviving are daughter, Linda Jenkins (husband Robert) of Wheaton, IL; daughter, Anne Kirchmeyer (husband David) of Carrollton, TX; sister, Emlee Lorraine Clark (husband Barry) of Deerfield, IL; brother Robert Jesse Bridell (wife Audrey) of Landrum, SC; brother-in-law Robert C. Z. Scheele (wife Connie) of Bonita Springs, FL; brother-in-law Burton Z. Scheele (wife Karen) of Madison, WI. Also surviving are her grandchildren Alexander P. Jenkins, Elizabeth Jenkins Restaino (husband Mark), and two great grandchildren Penelope and Rose Jessamine Restaino.

A private service for the family will be held at a later date and time. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to: Purdue University to further benefit the Center for Research on Brain, Behavior, and NeuroRehabilitation (CEREBBRAL).

You may sign the guest book, leave memories and photos at www.soller-baker.com

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Published by Journal & Courier on Oct. 30, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Jessamine Scheele

Sponsored by Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – West Lafayette Chapel.

6 Entries

Amy Smith Krallman

September 17, 2021

I swam at the West Lafayette Elks for many years in the late 70's and early 80's and later was a lifeguard. Mr. and Mrs. Scheele swimming laps and chatting afterward were a highlight of our day. They were both so incredibly kind. I later had Hank as a professor and loved him - high expectations and drew the best from each of us. I'm so sorry for your loss but please know that we remember your parents so very fondly.

Paul Norwine

November 1, 2018

Jess and Hank were so kind and helpful of sharing their research and knowledge from Hank's book on former Indiana Congressman, Charlie Halleck with me. They made the trip to my school, Kankakee Valley High School, to speak with my students. Then they were kind enough to locate all of their research from the 1960's, '70's, and Hank's continued writing on Halleck. Which they donated to the Jasper County Library in Rensselaer so that future generations can research that era. That material is in the process of being digitized for others to have access.

Marilyn U. Lahr

October 30, 2018

My husband and I became friends with Hank and Jess as we, they and Don and Penny Winship swam almost daily during summers at the W. Lafayette Elks Country Club pool. We began calling ourselves "The Swim Club" and added dinners together to our swim fun. I last saw Hank and Jess at Covenant Church before I moved to Dallas in September, 2017. Anne, do you remember that we once, on a visit to our son in Dallas, delivered a package to you from your parents? I think it may have been some of your wedding gifts. Was it you or your sister whose wedding was in June, 1980? It was a Covenant wedding but our second daugher's wedding at Horticulture Park was on the same date as yours. I am sorry for your loss of both parents and pray that your faith is now your comfort.

Tanya Finkbiner

October 30, 2018

I had the pleasure of getting to spend time with Jess and Hank through Purdue Veterinary Medicine. How I cherish the time and tales they told of love, togetherness, and humble success. What beautiful lives to aspire to be like. May Jess and Hank rest eternally in peace, together.

Mariellen Neudeck

October 30, 2018

I had the pleasure of knowing Jess particularly in the years we both served on the West Lafayette School Board, as well as in the years she and Hank lived near us in Hills & Dales. I always appreciated her commitment to public service and her fair, considered manner in evaluating issues. The community is poorer without the two of them.

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