Jeanette I. Padjen

Jeanette Irene Padjen, age 87, of Spring Grove, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Jeanette was born on March 2, 1936, in Highbridge, Wisconsin to Otis and Helen (Niemi) Kruzan. She attended Mellen High School in Mellen, Wisconsin where she met the love of her life, Fred Padjen. They were married on August 20, 1955, and started their family the next year. Jeanette gave birth to five boys in less than five years – twins Gary and Greg in 1956, Brian in 1957, and another set of twins, Scott and Brett, in 1960.
Jeanette was an avid reader and lifelong Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls fan. Her sports heroes included Sandy Koufax, Michael Jordan and any of her grandchildren that participated in sports. She enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends.
Above all, Jeanette valued family. She loved her husband Fred more than anyone throughout their 67 years of marriage and dedicated herself to her sons and their families. She loved her daughters-in-law as if they were her own daughters. She was joyful as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Children were special to her, and she expressed that through her generosity in time and attention.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Lee Kruzan; sister, Lois Kruzan.
Jeanette is survived by her husband, Fred; five sons, Gary (Laurie), Greg, Brian, Scott (Chris) Brett (Katie), Padjen; sister, Judy Knoll; eleven grandchildren, Amy, Adam, Emily, Dustin, Austin, Madeline, April, Grace, Eric, Scott, and Sadie; four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, from 5:00 P.M. until the 7:00 P.M. Funeral Service at Thompson Funeral Home, 8103 Wilmot Drive, Spring Grove, Il.
For additional information, please call the funeral home at 815-675-0550.