Jeanette Catherine Kramer Vaske left this earth to be in the arms of her savior on September 15, 2020, with her family by her side. Family and friends will honor Jeanette with a visitation at St. Francis of Assisi Parish — St. Henry Catholic Church — 221 West Olive St. in Marshalltown — on Friday, September 18 from 5 to 7 p.m., with a vigil service beginning at 6:30 p.m. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, September 19 at 10:30 a.m., also at St. Henry. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Jeanette and her family. Memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa River Hospice or Guiding Star of Marshalltown.

Jeanette was born on August 31, 1937, in Worthington, Iowa. She was the oldest of 11 children born to Wilfred and Helen (Tegeler) Kramer. She graduated from Coggon High School in 1954. Jeanette met her husband, Irvin Vaske, when they attended steel guitar lessons. They were married on August 30, 1956, in Prairieburg, Iowa. In 1964, Jeanette and Irvin moved to Marshalltown and spent 62 years together while raising their six children and practicing their faith.

Jeanette became a licensed practical nurse in 1979 and she enjoyed being a school paraeducator in special education at Marshalltown High School for 14 years. Jeanette’s faith kept her involved at Marshalltown’s St. Henry’s Church, where she was actively involved in the RCIA program for many years and was a supportive partner to her deacon husband. She was instrumental in bringing the Christian Experience Weekend retreat to Marshalltown in 1992 and served on the church building committee for St. Henry’s. Jeanette helped to build the Birthright agency in Marshalltown and was a frequent volunteer there.

Jeanette enjoyed cooking, baking, quilting, gardening, leading Bible studies and caring for each of her family members whom she loved dearly.

Jeanette is survived by her children: Dave (Ruth) Vaske, of LeMars; Dan (Rhonda) Vaske, of Marshalltown; Lynne (Chris) Carroll, of Marshalltown; Regina (Mike) West, of Montour; Colleen (Wayne) Tendall, of Waukee; and Carol (Don) Walsh, of Cedar Falls; as well as 17 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings: Kay Noonan, of Prairieburg; Bill (Joyce) Kramer, of Monticello; Elaine (Kelvin) Olson, of Coggon; Bob (Charlene), of Central City; Donna (Tom) Neuzil, of Phoenix, AZ.; Gary (Alane) Kramer, of Scotch Grove; Connie (Dave) Arduser, of Monticello; Sharon (Neil) Speer, of Gravois Mills, MO.; Diane (Wayne) Wurzer, of Solon; and Jane (Dave) Oldaker, of Monticello.

Jeanette is preceded in death by her husband, Irv, and her parents, Wilfred and Helen Kramer.