Jeanne Luella (nee Wills) Glessing 95, was called to her external rest on January 25, 2025 at Haven Homes, Maple Plain, MN. Jean was born September 9, 1929, in Kingston, MN to Glen and Stella Wills. She was baptized and confirmed as a child in the Church of Christ and after marriage became a long-time member of St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake, MN. Jeanne graduated from Dassel Highschool in 1947. She became a schoolteacher after obtaining her teaching certifications through St. Cloud State and the University of MN.
Jeanne was the middle child of five children, siblings were Doris, Darrel, Orlo and Lloyd. As a child she lived in Kingston until 5th grade at which point the family moved to a farm in Dassel, MN. Throughout her high school years in Dassel, Jeanne was active in choir, drama, and softball. She worked as a waitress at a small café in downtown Dassel to pay for her college education. During her University of Minnesota classes, Jean lived with her sister Doris in the “big” city. After graduating from college, Jean moved to Kimball where her family relocated. She taught in a one room schoolhouse for 3 years, during which time she met her future husband, Lorren.
On June 9, 1951, Jeanne was united in marriage to Lorren Glessing. They were blessed with two children, Neal and Dawn. After their marriage, the couple resided in Howard Lake, MN. Jeanne was a homemaker and worked side by side with husband as they farmed on the Glessing homestead, southwest of Howard Lake.
Jeanne was very active and held many offices in PTA, LWML, and the Naomi Guild. As Lorren and Jeanne raised their family, Jeanne enjoyed teaching Sunday school and was a leader in Sunrise 4-H club. Throughout the years, she was firm supporter of her kids and grandkids in 4-H, athletics, choir, and FFA. Jeanne enjoyed exhibiting at the Wright County Fair and she said a highlight of the year was to go to the MN State Fair, where she spent time in the Creative building and 4-H building. Jeanne spent many hours perfecting her skills at gardening, baking, canning, and sewing many quilts with the Guild ladies. She volunteered at the Good Samaritan nursing home in Howard Lake
After Lorren passed, Jean continued living on the family farm working in her flower garden, sewing quilts for World relief and attending grandkid activities. She moved into Haven Homes in September of 2024.
Jean is survived by her children, Neal (Marnie) Glessing of Howard Lake, MN and Dawn (Dan) Sawatzke of Waverly; grandchildren Andy (Nicolle) Sawatzke of Buffalo, Joe (Beth)Sawatzke of Winsted, Jeanne (Justin) Hertzog of Winsted, Abby (Brad) Ficker of Winsted, and David Glessing of Howard Lake; eight great grandchildren; Kayden, Addison, Lachlynn, Lennon, Hallie, Bennett, Sophie, and Hudson; and many other friends and relatives.
She is remembered for her kind spirit, humbleness, and willingness to help others. She was genuine and down to earth. She enjoyed being around other people, especially if she could brighten someone else’s day with a kind word of encouragement.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Stella Wills, her father and mother-in-law, Henry and Emma Glessing, her husband, Lorren, siblings, Doris (Russ) Sovde, Darrel (Shirley) Wills, Orlo (Arlene) Wills, and Lloyd (Donna) Wills. Brothers- and sister-in-laws Warren (Edna) Glessing, May (Ben) Sherva, Howard (Vernice) Glessing, Eva (Ted) Handrich, Omar (Verna) Glessing, Maurice (Eva) Glessing. Nephews and Nieces: Allen Glessing, Richard Glessing, Bob Wills, Pam Wills, and Cindy Wills.
Visitation will be Friday, January 31, 2025 from 4-8 PM and one hour prior to the service. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 1, 2025 all at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, Minnesota.
