How can a persons life be summed up and shared in two or three short paragraphs?  Jeannie was so much more than a few words could describe.  I knew her as a kind and energetic soul dedicated to family and a career of helping those far less fortunate.  Her life was not easy, more often that not she endured illness and pain most would find too much to bear. Yet Jeannie persevered and carried on without complaint.   How can her life’s story be adequately told in two or three paragraphs?  It can’t. 

Jeannie and I were best of friends from 4th grade through our freshman year in college. Spending time with Jeannie was always going to lead to a fun experience of one kind or another.
I was lucky enough to tag along on some of the Kain's camping and boating trips. On one of the trips to Lake McConaughy, Mr. Kain had to unhitch and park their boat on a small land area on a fork in the road that split the highway.  He left Jeannie, Linda and me with the boat while he took the truck to pick up something he needed. Lucky for us, while we sat in the boat, we saw an Army convoy coming our way. We took the opportunity to  entertainment ourselves by putting on our life jackets, picking up our oars and started rowing. A relief from boredom for all in that moment.
Jeannie had a great sense of humor, an engaging laugh, and could tell a good story about herself or an experience she had.  She lived with a fully open heart and dearly loved her family.  She was especially proud of her children and grandchildren.
Love and Peace for you Jeannie, you have a beautiful spirit.  
I am grateful that you graced by life. 
 Judy LaVelle Faught

We want to send our sympathy to you, Jim and family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Connie and Allen Meyer

Deepest sympathies to the family. We knew Mrs. Wilkinson from ESU when she took care of Kim Bauer.  Betty and Laurie Bauer

A great lady who taught me so much as my supervisor.  Her compassion and caring spirit were always present in her demeanor.  She was an authentic person.  I am sad that she is gone. 

Jeannie came into my life 11-22-63, the day of the Kennedy assassination.  We were seniors in high school in Kearney at the college rehearsing as members of the Nebraska State Chorus.  Jeannie was sitting next to me in the alto section.  We were on a lunch break when we learned that the President had been shot.  When we returned to rehearsal, the director announced that the President had died.  Jeannie turned to me and started sobbing.  I held her in my arms dry-eyed, as I was too stunned to cry.  The next time I saw Jeannie was the following fall.  We were in the elevator of our dorm at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln when we recognized each other.   There were four of us who just "clicked", and have remained friends ever since.

 We had our share of adventures as a group.  Our rally cry became "Welcome to Wyoming?" at a time when we were supposedly driving from Crawford on our way to South Dakota to see the monument.  Those years were so formative for all of us.  We went our separate ways but we never abandoned our friendships.   

Jeannie was always the ray of sunshine.  She would literally light up any room she occupied.  That always amazed me,  as anyone who knows her was aware of the many and serious health issues she fought throughout her life.  She always had a smile on her face and brought her best to any situation. 

Jeannie loved her family and her friends, and always put the happiness of others ahead of her own.  She lived to help and serve.  That is the memory of her I will always carry in my heart. 

I love you, Jeannie.  

I am so lucky to have known Jean and worked with her.  Her commitment to the people in her charge enhanced all their lives.  She leaves a legacy to all  of whom she touched of knowing each person was important and had worth. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

OBITUARY

Frances Jean Wilkinson

August 19, 1946 – July 5, 2020

Dugan-Kramer Funeral Home & Crematory

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