Jeanie Lenora Johnston was born on March 9, 1958 in Panama City, Florida to Herman Dale Wenger and Shirley Anne Wenger. At the age of 64, she passed away on August 7, 2022. A visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, from 6 to 8:00 PM. A service will be held at Saylorville Church on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at 11:00 AM with a luncheon afterwards. A burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 1:30 PM.
Jeanie was named after two of her aunts, Norma Jean Kirfman and Ruth Lenora Kirkham. In her younger years, Jean was often referred to as Baby Ruth, from being named after her Aunt Ruth.
After Jean’s dad was discharged from the Army, they moved to their home in Des Moines, Iowa, where she completed her education with a 2-year nursing degree from the Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa.
Growing up, Jean loved spending time with family, whether it was just staying overnight with relatives, going to church, or traveling hundreds of miles for family reunions where they were all urged to get on stage and perform their favorite songs. The strong foundation of faith in the Lord that Jean’s family instilled in her really shined bright in her later years, and was undeniable in her last years. She prayed daily for her friends and family, and she led many people to the Lord.
In November 1991, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Ronald Lee Johnston. Jean immediately asked to start being called JJ. Combined, Jean and Ron had 5 children. Together, they wanted their children to know the Lord, and knew involvement with the church was key. In addition to attending church services, they encouraged church camp attendance, mission trips and other church activities.
Jean loved to hike, run and walk. She sometimes would go 10-15 miles several times a week. Jean and Ron enjoyed exercising together; whether it was aerobics, kickboxing or strength training. Jean retired as a nurse from the University of Osteopathic Medicine. She worked there many years at one of their satellite clinics, and at the University. She loved working with her patients, and with the students at the University. Jean and Ron are currently members of the Saylorville Church, where Jean has led multiple bible study groups.
Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Ron of Norwalk; children, Bob (Jennifer) Palmer of Nevada, Iowa, Tori (Coy) Young of Blythesdale, MO, Brandy (Brad) Horton of Altoona, Iowa, Nicholas (Jennifer) Johnston of Indianola, Iowa and Joey (Alisha) Graves of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Alexa, Caleb, Drew, Keygun, Kaden, Landon, Aaliyana and Kylie (whom Nana always called Harry); great granddaughter, Braeylnn; and sister, Theresa Darr.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Herman Dale Wenger and Shirley Anne Wenger-Miranda; sister, Sandra Anne (Sam) Wenger; brother –in-laws, Darren Johnston and George Darr; father-in-law, Allen Johnston; and grandson, Hunter Johnson.
The family would like to thank EveryStep Hospice for the care that Jean was provided over the last 2 months, which allowed Jean to be at home in her final days. Memorials may be designated to EveryStep Hospice or Saylorville Church.