Born in Peoria on February 19, 1940, Jeanette was the daughter of Paul Mehlenbeck and Margaret Mehlenbeck (Kuhn) and had a sister Joan and brother Fred. She was a graduate of Peoria High School in 1958 and met Rodney, also a graduate of Peoria High School, while they worked together at Block & Kuhl Department Store in Peoria. They were married on February 9, 1963 in Peoria. In a remarkable true love story of the time, shortly after they were married, after Rodney had been drafted, she packed everything she and Rodney owned into their 1958 Chevy and drove by herself at age 23 across the country from Peoria to Seattle to meet Rodney who was stationed there in Tacoma, Washington after completing his basic training.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she was a member of the Manito Community United Methodist Church, a lover of arts and craft fairs, flea markets and antiques and was a regular attendee at the annual Spoon River Drive each fall with her family. In her later years she was a regular among a group of Manito seniors where she could be seen walking at the Forman Center, playing dice at Hot Stuff and helping at the Popcorn Festival each Labor Fay weekend. Jeanette had a loving and supportive spirit and leaves a lasting legacy of love and kindness.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Manito Community United Methodist Church, with a visitation one hour prior from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Rev. Steve Oaks will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Meadow Lawn Cemetery in Manito.
Memorial donations may be made in Jeanette’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home in Manito is in charge of arrangements.
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