Jeanne Lokerse Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Jeanne Lokerse, age 95, of Marion, Illinois, passed away peacefully with her family surrounding her at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 2019, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law Francey and Tim Wolfe, located south of Salem, Illinois. She was born on Sunday, November 11, 1923, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the daughter of George and Ruby (Rohrdanz) Van Gorkom and was very proud her Dutch heritage. Her mother passed away during her Junior year in high school which was very difficult for her family. Jeanne attended school in Pella, Iowa and was a graduate of Pella High School Class of 1942. During her senior year she was crowned “Tulip Queen” a prestigious recognition of the town during the annual Tulip Festival. She was united in marriage to Frank Lynn Lokerse on Friday, December 31, 1943, in the Lutheran Church of Chickasha, Oklahoma and together they shared nearly 48 years of marriage until his death in 1991. Her working career began during the time of WW II, when most of the men were away serving in the war. Many of the women of the Pella, Iowa area worked in their place for Pella Rolscreen, which later became known as Pella Windows. She later began working with the family businesses in Marion; secretary for Producers Mining Company and book-keeper for the Hotel Williams. During the time of raising her family she took some time off from working and remained at home caring her family. As her children got older she returned to working as an Executive Secretary with General Telephone and later as a Communications Consultant with General Telephone, traveling a 5 state area developing and training for large phone systems for corporations. In the early 1990’s she decided to retire and attend to the needs of her husband when his health started to deteriorate. Jeanne was a long time active member of Zion United Church of Christ of Marion. She taught Sunday school for 21 years, active with the youth LOGOS group, member of the choir and bell choir, for years she was in charge of Pastoral Care, where she attended to a variety of needs for those in the community. During these years, her family lovingly nicknamed her the “Card Queen.” She also was a member of the Marion Fort Nightly Club and had served as President of the group. When she was young she became an excellent violinist, and pianist. In her spare time she loved to play golf, having once gotten a hole-in-one. She enjoyed her ladies’ card group, gardening, being a seamstress, Spending time in her yard and appreciating nature. She maintained her flowers and lawn in a pristine manner. The family has many fond memories of traveling back to the Pella, Iowa area from time to time and attending the Tulip Festival and spending time with their many relatives. She also looked forward to the winters when she traveled to Florida with her sister June and husband Ed. Jeanne led by example, and always believed in excellence in everything she did and doing what was required when needed. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was always interested in all of their many activities. She leaves behind a legacy of loving and caring for her family, honoring her children, grandchildren, great grandchild, extended family, friends and church; with an unwavering belief in God and Jesus Christ. Her family includes; daughter, Judy Lynn Wallin and her husband Thomas Robert (deceased) of Springfield, Illinois, daughter Francey Wolfe and her husband Tim of Salem, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Laura Lynn Waldinger and husband Corey of Naperville, Illinois, Thomas Jeffrey “Jeff” Wallin (deceased at age 13), Timothy Robert “Tim” Wallin and his wife Brittany of Springfield, IL, Erik Scott Wolfe (deceased at age 39) and his wife Ashley of Louisville, KY, Aaron Andrew Wolfe of Salem, IL, Adam Franklin Wolfe and his wife Kimberlee of Glen Carbon, IL and Abby Lynn Etnier and husband Anthony of Salem, IL; ten great grandchildren, and is expecting number 11 in October of 2019, Ryan, Alex, Sarah and Emma Waldinger all of Naperville, IL, Evvie Wallin of Springfield, IL, Lincoln Wolfe of Louisville, KY, Isabella Wolfe of Glen Carbon, IL and Parker, Peyton and Patrick Etnier all of Salem, IL; brother Doug Van Gorkom and his wife Susan of Pella, IA; sister June Faaborg and husband Edward (deceased) of Johnson, IA, Georgia Van Berkum (deceased) and husband Van (deceased) both of Marion, IA, other extended family and many friends. Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. The visitation was from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23rd at the funeral home. The visitation resumed at 9:30 a.m. on Friday at Zion United Church of Christ, located at 930 West Cherry St. in Marion. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Jeanne’s life was presented to the family and friends. Following the time of visitation the funeral service was at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor John Holst presiding. Special comments and 23rd Psalm scripture reading was presented by Corey and Laura Waldinger. Also Abby Etnier presented a special poem she had written and Ryan Waldinger read scripture Psalm 46 verses 1-10. The “Tolling of the Bell” 95 times in remembrance of Jeanne’s life was by Randy Jones and Tim Wallin. Special vocal congregational musical selections presented during the service were; “Majesty”, “Jesus, Name Above All Names”, “Shine, Jesus, Shine” and “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” with organist Doris Anderson accompanying. During the Sacrament of Communion the musical selection “Here I am Lord” was presented by organist Doris Anderson. Also during the service the video musical selection “Thank You for Giving to the Lord” was presented in remembrance and honor of Jeanne life. Interment followed next to her husband in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion. Pallbearers were Doug Van Gorkom, Tim Wallin, Adam Wolfe, Andrew Wolfe, Ryan Waldinger and Alex Waldinger. Following the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered back at Zion United Church of Christ for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to either or all; “Zion United Church of Christ”, “American Cancer Society” and/ or “Make a Wish Foundation” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, Illinois 62959. Memorial envelopes were available at the funeral home and the church. For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Jeanne Lokerse

November 11, 1923 - May 18, 2019