Jeanne M. Poage, age 88, of Willmar, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, November 16, 2017, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. Interment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Hawk Creek Animal Shelter, 250 28th St. SW, Willmar, MN 56201 are preferred. www.petersonbrothers.com

Jeanne Marion Poage was born on Nov. 2, 1929, in Fremont, the daughter of George and Fern (Dearks) Moyer. She grew up in Fremont and graduated from Fremont High School and Midland University in 1947. Jeanne attended John’s Hopkins University and graduated with a degree in nursing in 1952 and then graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1954 with a psychiatric degree. On April 15, 1954, in Grand Island, Jeanne was united in marriage to Raymond Roy Poage. She was employed throughout her career as a psychiatric nurse and was Director of Nursing at Lincoln (NE) State Hospital prior to moving to Long Lake, Minnesota, in 1964.

Jeanne was always there to help when friends or neighbors were going through an illness. She was known for her fascinating conversations about any topic and her gourmet cooking. She had a unique ability to anticipate what her family and friends needed or wanted even before they knew what it was and to make everyone feel as if they were better off for having been around her for an hour, a day or a lifetime. Jeanne had a fond love for animals, especially cats. She will be forever remembered.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 63 years, Raymond of Willmar; two children, Dr. John Poage of Maple Grove and Kathy (and Gaylen) Morse of St. Bonifacius; three grandchildren, Dr. Grahm (and Kris), Taylor and Evan Poage; and three great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Harrison and June Poage; besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Phyllis Munoz.

Orginally published in the Fremont Tribune on December 1, 2017.