Jean Elaine Vangness, 77, Kasson
Jean Elaine Vangness, affectionately known as Jeannie, 77, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital Monday, September 2, 2024, while holding her son’s hand.
Jeannie was born on November 12, 1946, in Owatonna, MN to Kenneth and June Vangness. She graduated from Kasson-Mantorville High School in 1964, and was a hardworking and vibrant presence throughout her life. Her biggest accomplishment and joy was her son, Justin, born March 26, 1983, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester. Jeannie was a devoted and loving mother, always bringing Justin on adventures and building memories with him. She especially loved bringing him to farms and zoos and decorating for Christmas. She was immensely proud to watch him be a father to her granddaughter, Jovi, and then watching her granddaughter excel and compete in activities like Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Mathleets, and Softball. Family was always at the center of who Jeannie was, and her incredibly caring personality drove her in all aspects of life.
Jeannie kept her career exciting, spanning several roles, including Meter Maid for the Rochester Police, Bookkeeper and Secretary at Rochester Lapidary Jewelers, Florist at Fickstal Flowers, Bookkeeper at Valhalla Condos, and Attendant and Manager at Crossroads Laundromat and Nature's Best Dry Cleaning. She loved interacting with customers, working with people, chatting up the regulars, and had a very hardwork ethic. Retirement was bittersweet as she missed these interactions, but spending time with family and watching the accomplishments of her son and granddaughter brought her so much joy. She was known not to miss out on a family event, always giving her unwavering support and love to those around her. Eventually, Jeannie moved into the Senior Living Apartments in Kasson and found a sense of community there that she cherished.
Jeannie’s personality was loud and big. She was a born entertainer and if she had a story, or perhaps a little gossip, she’d be sharing it for all to hear. Always moving, smiling, visiting, and checking on people; she was thought of as a “busy butterfly”. Her passion for working with others and her lively personality were deeply cherished. She loved having pets and animals around (even if she wouldn’t admit it), and enjoyed gardening and caring for plants–ranging from a broken stem in a water bottle to massive indoor plants. Jeannie collected items that were precious to her, and that may come in handy. Say what you will about what one may deem “precious”, but her enthusiasm to collect saved the day at her parent’s estate sale. A safe wouldn’t unlock as it wasn’t level…the family was searching high and low for wooden shims to level it out, and suddenly Jeannie yells, “I’ve got some in my car!” Her hoarding tendencies—perhaps a reflection of her intricate personality—served her well that day, and it continued to be a funny reminder of her quirks and kind heart.
Jeannie’s memory lives on in the warmth of her smile, the sound of her laugh, her boundless energy, and her love for family. In her absence, we hold close the memories of her festive decorations, her joy in family gatherings, and her dedication to her loved ones.
Jeannie is survived by her beloved son, Justin; granddaughter, Jovalynn (Jovi); siblings, Roger Vangness, Louie (Cathy) Vangness, Bev (Dan) Harris, Steve (Gayle) Vangness, Sandi (Dean) Solberg, Sheri (Chuck) Finger; and brother-in-law, Gary Olevson. Jeannie also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and close family friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and June Vangness; sister, Patricia Olevson; sister-in-law, Karen Vangness; nephew, JJ Harris; and many aunts and uncles.
A visitation to celebrate Jeannie’s life will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE, Kasson, MN 55944. Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably.
To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com. Blessed be her memory.