Jeannine Frances Jungwirth

Jeannine Frances Jungwirth of Kewaskum, Wisconsin died on May 7th, 2025 following a seven year battle against cancer. Jeannie lived a life of creativity: she loved crafting, art projects, making mementos for family, knitting, and designing handmade cards. She was patient, kind, and never one to harbor anger or jealousy. Jeannie's only competitiveness would come out while playing Scrabble with family (she was nearly impossible to beat).

Jeannie worked for 35 years as a public school educator and reading specialist after graduating from Marian University in 1970 with degrees in elementary education and art. She also obtained a Master's degree in education from the College of Saint Scholastica in Minnesota.

Jeannie was married to Reg Jungwirth for 56 years (together since 1967). She was the loving mother of two boys-- Jeb (45) and Josh (43). She was a grandmother to Adin (15), Max (12), and Leo (10). Jeannie was a beloved mother-in-law to Alissa Martin (Jeb) and Stephanie Jungwirth (Josh). She had four caring sisters- Mary, Kathleen, Joanie, and Suzie- and a brother, John (deceased). Jeannie also had multiple nieces and nephews with whom she had a special relationship. She had countless friends-especially in the West Bend area-who became like a second group of sisters to her.

Raised and educated as a traditional Catholic, Jeannie was open to the teachings of the Unitarian Universalists, and attended services at the Pittsburgh Unitarian Church when visiting family. She was a member of Holy Trinity Church in Kewaskum, and also attended services at numerous Catholic parishes in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Jeannie loved kids and animals. She had a deep admiration for Jane Goodall and Mr. Rodgers, and enjoyed taking photos of lighthouses and old barns. Jeannie was a voracious reader, especially of historical fiction. She was part of a women's book club, a craft group, and a Bunko club. Throughout her last week in the hospital, she requested that her family read her passages and poems from Thich Nhat Hanh, Leo Tolstoy's Calendar of Wisdom, and Mary Oliver's Dog Songs- all of which brought her comfort. She practiced smiling meditation and prayer during her struggling last days.

Jeannie embraced the simple things in life. She took pride in decorating her home, especially for Christmas. Jeannie made every effort to attend her grandchildren's events, even while struggling with illness. She enjoyed being a homemaker and always joked she "loved folding laundry- really, I do!"

She was quick to hug and share her big smile, putting those around her at ease; and had an uncommon ability to make others feel better, even during her resolute battle against cancer. Jeannie will be enormously missed by her family, relatives, and many friends.

A memorial is being planned for July. In lieu of flowers, Jeannie would like donations to be made to The Jane Goodall Institute. https://janegoodall.org/

Jeannine Frances Jungwirth, 1948-2025.