Jeanne Needham

October 17, 2022, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, Jeanne Needham quietly passed away at the age of 89. In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Jeanne was born August 7, 1933 in Waukon, the sixth of seven children to Leo and Florence Burns. She is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; her daughter, Kim; and her son, Lyle, as well as her siblings, Don, Dorothy, Marylou and Bill. She leaves behind her daughter, Renee Johnson; her son-in-law, Craig Johnson; her son, Todd Needham; her daughter-in-law, Kat Needham; her brother, Ray; her sister, Ruth; and her brother-in-law, Tom (Dorothy) Collins.

As a young girl, Jeanne grew up on the family farm in northeast Iowa. As a young woman she met Leonard at a dance when he was on a short leave from the Navy. She fell instantly in love and they courted long distance for some time.

Once they were married, Jeanne traveled with Leonard when he was stationed in the United States. About two years after they were married and Len was stationed in San Francisco, CA, young Jeanne was pregnant with their first of four children, Kim.

After Kim was born, Len left the Navy when his enlistment was over and they moved to Antioch, IL and then eventually to their family farm in Wilmot, WI, where they raised their children, horses, garden, etc.

Once all four children were in school, Jeanne went to work as the baker at Wilmot High School where she remained until retirement. In their mid-60s, Jeanne and Leonard retired back to their beloved Iowa, in the Harpers Ferry area until their age and health moved them closer to their children in Michigan.

Jeanne was an ardent volunteer, had an excellent sense of humor and enjoyed using her baking skills to help with events at the Catholic Church. She was loved deeply by her children, brothers and sisters, and extended family.