Jean Allen Van Dusen, 79, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on January 20, 2026. Jean was born August 6, 1946, in Appleton, Wisconsin to the late Kathleen Mary Wydeven and Clarence B. Allen.
“Though she be but little, she is fierce.”
Jean Allen was born the eldest of her siblings to Kate & CB Allen in 1946 in Wisconsin. Soon after, twin brothers, Jack & Jim, came along. Growing up in Neenah, Wisconsin, Jeannie was a petite child who showed remarkable talent – specifically in the arts, expressing herself through painting, knitting & cooking. After graduating high school, 5’1” Jeannie attended University of Wisconsin-Stout, where she pursued a degree in dietary science and soon became a registered dietician. Jeannie was very “Audrey Hepburn-Esque” in both stature & mannerisms – slender, waifish, always a lady, charming, polite, pretty, and funny. It is no wonder she attracted the attention of Van in 1968. The two became engaged within a month of meeting one another and officially tied the knot in 1970 with Kendra Heckmann serving as maid of honor.
The couple moved to Colorado where Jeannie worked and facilitated classes in dietary science. Five years later, in 1975, Jeannie gave birth to her first child, Jennifer. Three & ½ years later, Jeannie and her small family moved to Victoria, Texas and welcomed her son, Tres, into the world.
Jeannie chose the life of a homemaker, while her husband, Van, worked out of the home. She was the backbone of her family, playing an active role in supporting both of her children & her husband. She was active in PTA, went on field trips, volunteered at the school her children attended, hosted dinners for special events, provided carpool transportation, and fully supported her children’s extracurricular activities. She grew close to both the neighbors and other parents she met through various activities. Always quick with a smile and a welcoming personality, she spent most summer days at home as her children grew older, keeping a watchful eye not only on them but on the many neighborhood kids who gathered at her house to swim and play video games.
Although her family took priority in her life, Jeannie pursued other personal interests as well. She attended St. Francis Episcopal Church, becoming a member and attending services weekly, and volunteering. She was a member of a sorority and went to get-togethers, she worked out, cooked, visited with friends, and kept in contact with her extended family.
She delighted in becoming a grandmother to Jaisenne, Ethan & Ryen. She & Van continued showing their love & support for the family they created, often times taking their grandchildren for outings & helping to care for them after school.
Standing 5’1” tall & never weighing over 100 lbs., Jeannie was a lovely, petite woman who prioritized her family & fiercely supported them in all their endeavors. The love she carried for them was tremendous, as is the love they carry for her. She was always ready with a smile, willing to give her time & energy to those she cared for. As the years passed, Jeannie faced some health issues and physical limitations – yet she still smiled and remained positive and was steadfast & determined in her resolve and her love of life, and the love she held for her family.
“Though she be but little, she is fierce.”
That she was. All the days of her life.
Jean is survived by her husband, Grosvenor “Van” Brune Van Dusen Jr.; daughter, Jennifer “Jen” Kathleen Van Dusen; son, Grosvenor “Tres” Brune Van Dusen III and wife, Ariana; grandchildren, Jaisenne “Jai” Huxley Van Dusen, Ethan Brune Van Dusen, Ryen Nicole Van Dusen and brothers, John “Jack” Allen and wife, Denise and James “Jim” Allen and wife, Patricia. Jean also leaves behind Abby, her loving four-legged companion.
A Memorial Service will be held, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 10 AM at St. Francis Episcopal Church.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Dietetic Association.
