Olson Funeral & Cremation Service
Jean Peno passed away Friday, November 22, 2024 at Ecumen of North Branch, at the age of 87.
Jean Katherine Pitreski was born October 27, 1937 to John and Louise (Hammes) Pitreski in Minneapolis, MN. She grew up helping on the family farm with her six sisters and her brother, graduating from Hinckley High School. Jean attended secretarial college in Minneapolis and began employment at the University of Minnesota.
Jean met William "Bill" Peno at "Happy's" in Hinckley, dancing the night away. They fell in love and were married February 2, 1963 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hinckley.
After moving to Rush City, they began work on their farm while starting a family. Jean loved music and welcomed every opportunity to sing, whether it be in the kitchen or in church, and she also enjoyed dancing with Bill throughout her life.
Jean took pleasure in gardening, reading, sewing, baking, and nature. From her garden she would prepare award winning pickles, jams, jellies and other canned items, frequently receiving Grand Champion Ribbons in various counties as well as blue ribbon awards at the Minnesota State Fair. In addition, she cherished time gathering with family and friends while camping, bicycling, skiing, and snowmobiling.
Jean labored alongside Bill on the many tasks on their farm, including a shared role in taking care of the cattle, harvesting crops, loading wood for heating their home, planting pine trees, and putting up fencing. In later years, she enjoyed traveling throughout the US and overseas with Bill.
Jean retired as a secretary for the MN Department of DNR Hinckley Area Fisheries, where she managed the office for over 20 years.
Jean's faith was a significant part of her entire life. She loved getting dressed up for church and decided to become a Eucharistic Minister in her later years.
Jean is survived by her children Valerie (Alan) Simays of Slinger, WI, Sharlene Jennissen of Miltona, Dudley (Lori) Peno of North Branch; many grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Carol Baldwin of Washington, Anna Mae (Tom) Crotty of Shoreview; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents John and Louise Pitreski; husband Bill Peno; son-in-law Mark Jennissen; grandson John Scheller; siblings Mary Lou Tauber Mollenhoff (Frank Tauber, Alfred Mollenhoff), Arlene (Roland) Greenhagen, Johann (Donald) Bachman, Geraldine (Clifford) Rust, David (Scherrie) Pitreski; brother-in-law Chuck Baldwin.
Father Matt Shireman celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial for Jean at 11 AM, Wednesday, November 27 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rush City. Visitation and reviewal was held from 5-8 PM Tuesday, November 26 with a Rosary at 7 PM at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City. The interment took place in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Rush City.
Memorials may be directed to Alzheimer Association.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Funeral And Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel.
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com
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