
Jeanne Anne Walz
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Jeanne Anne Walz (Willis) October 30, 1952
Passed away on November 9, 2023 at the age of 71, while on her dream trip to Italy. Reunited with her beloved daughter, Kelly Jeanne Thompson, husband Robert G Walz, mother Elaine J. Willis, and father Richard H. Willis. Also preceded in death by brother-in-law Jerome (Jerry) Husby.
Survived by son Christian Townsend (Christy), and step-children: Tina Thompson, Alisa Walz-Flannigan (Tony Asleson), Joseph Walz, and Anika Kaleewoun (Philip). Also survived by grandsons Ellak Flannigan-Warren, Graham Flannigan, Jamue Kaleewoun, Bjorn Kaleewoun; granddaughters Caroline Townsend, and Charlotte Townsend; brothers Jim (Donna), Gary (Nancy), Richard (Olga), and sister Nancy Husby; also eight nieces & nephews.
Jeanne grew up in Roseville, MN, and graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School. She received a degree in Nonprofit Administration from Metropolitan State University. Jeanne worked in a non-profit setting for over 40 years as a Program Director, Development Director, and Executive Director, most recently for the Forest Lake Youth Service Bureau. She for two years served as a legislative assistant to the Ramsey County Commissioner. Jeanne was elected to the North Branch Area School Board and served for two terms, was a charter member of the North Branch Rotary Club, Past President of the Forest Lake Rotary Club, and served at the district level for Rotary 5960. As a member of the League of Women Voters for 40+ years, Jeanne served at local and state levels, including serving as Charter President of Chisago County LWV Unit. Jeanne served on the boards of the Saint Croix Valley Foundation and the Tozer Foundation, and was a past Girl Scout leader.
Jeanne valued her family greatly. She cherished time with her six grandchildren and devoted time to each one of them. She was intentional about nurturing her relationship with each of them and learning about each of their passions. Jeanne loved spending time with all of her family, was a great source of support and guidance, and was a role model as a loving mother and grandmother.
Jeanne had a vibrant and active social life where she enjoyed spending time with friends, watching movies, traveling, and sampling new wine varieties. She was always looking forward to the next gathering and often said how lucky she was to have such wonderful people in her life.
Jeanne was intentional about living a full, healthy, and happy life. Her mottos were: "...Plant your garden, decorate your soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers." (V. Shoffstall) "It's the journey, not the destination." "Death is not the extinguishing of the light, but the blowing out of the candle, because dawn has come." (Rabun Drarath Tagore) and "Live in the present. It's all we have and it is a magnificent gift." She was a gardener (usually the weeder), and she loved dragonflies, bluebirds, and butterflies.
A visitation will be held at the Roseville Memorial Chapel in Roseville on Wednesday, December 27 from 2-6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Guardian Angels Church in Woodbury on Thursday, December 28 at 11am, with visitation one hour prior to service.
Memorials preferred to: League of Women Voters MN, Girl Scout River Valleys, or the Kelly Jeanne Thompson Memorial Scholarship (contact family for information.)
