Jeanette Ann Nielsen, Age 85, of Butte, passed away on March 6, 2024.
Jeanette was born on a farm outside Sumner, Iowa on August 25, 1938 to Carl and Mabel Thomas. She had two older brothers who lived to tease their little sister and the stories have become legends.
After high school, Jeanette worked as a telephone operator in Oelwein, Iowa. She was transferred to Cedar Rapids, Iowa and had the distinct pleasure of assigning new telephone numbers. She met Vernon Nielsen on a blind date. He was immediately head over heels in love, but it took him over a year to convince her to marry him.
The happy couple was married in Oelwein, Iowa on June 4, 1966. They would have celebrated 58 years of marriage in just a few months. They raised two daughters, Julie and Kristi, as they moved around the country with Vern’s job at the railroad. Their homes included Iowa, Colorado, back to Iowa, Montana, Minnesota, Iowa, and finally settled in Butte, MT after retirement in 2006. Butte gave them the opportunity to be close to the grandkids and enjoy endless hours seeing them grow up.
Jeanette was very involved with her church activities at Gold Hill Lutheran church. She was busy making quilts for Lutheran World Relief, knitting prayer shawls for comfort, listening to anyone that needed her for Stephen Ministry, setting up for communion, and ushering during services. But the job she is most passionate about was the funeral luncheon committee. She loved being able to help families celebrate the lives of their loved ones. She always said that funerals are for the living to remember and celebrate the lives well-lived. We loved to joke about her time as a “church basement lady” and the green jello and hot dishes that Lutheran women are famous for serving.
Jeanette is survived by her adoring husband, Vern, daughters, Julie Corbin and Kristi Nielsen (Rick), and grandchildren, Jack, Quinn, and Eli Corbin. She is also survived by brother and sister-in-laws Gil and Carolyne Nielsen, Jerry Nielsen, and Nancy Thompson, and Nancy Thomas and numerous nieces and nephews who she kept tabs on through social media and phone calls.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, in-laws, a couple of nieces and nephews, and many friends she gained in her 85 year journey on this earth.
Heaven was given the most beautiful soul. We invite you to wear your brightest colors to the funeral to celebrate the joy Jeanette spread to everyone in her life. There will be a reception following the service which will include green jello and hot dishes. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Jeanette’s favorite spot Gold Hill Lutheran church at goldhillelca.org.
Services will be held on Wednesday, March 13, at Gold Hill Lutheran Church, 934 Placer St., Bute, Montana, with visitation starting at 9 am, services at 10 am with luncheon immediately following. Graveside services began at 1 pm at Mount Mariah Cemetery, 2415 South Montana St., Butte, Montana.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jeanette.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jeanette and her family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m.
Wednesday March 13, 2024
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday March 13, 2024
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Luncheon
Immediately Following
Wednesday March 13, 2024
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 13, 2024
Mount Moriah Cemetery
2415 South Montana St
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m.
Wednesday March 13, 2024
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday March 13, 2024
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Luncheon
Immediately Following
Wednesday March 13, 2024
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 13, 2024
Mount Moriah Cemetery
2415 South Montana St
Butte, Montana 59701
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Patricia Chain says
Vern and Family. So sorry for you loss. Jeanette was an absolute dear lady. She would help you in any way she could. Rembering all her help with taking g care of coffee hour as well as many other duties. She will be greatly missed. Prayers for all of you🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Kelly and Jade says
Julie, Jack, Quinn and Eli,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your mom and grandma. Jeannette was a gracious and lovely lady in every way and we always enjoyed running into her.
May your many good memories bring you some peace at this difficult time.
Kelly and Jade
Recia Manion says
Vern and family, so sorry for your loss she was an absolute sweet lady! She will be dearly missed. We will miss our chats at the fence when ever we would cross paths coming and going. We were so blessed to have you and her as our neighbors. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Manion’s
Dori Patrick says
Julie, Kris, Vern and kids…..we are so sorry to hear she has left us. She was such a sweet and wonderful auntie. I hope your happy memories of her will help to ease your pain. Sending you so much love, Dori and Kerry Patrick
Amelinda Olson says
Jeanette was a wonderful person. One of my favorite memories was going to garage sales with her during Grand Lodge in Miles City. After the sales we met other Ladies at the local Coffee Shop. She was always kind and pleasant.
David Martinez says
To a wonderful lady with a BIG smile that I have enjoyed meeting and talking to at many Masonic functions. Now she is in Heaven with her smile because now she is with the Lord of Heaven and Earth.
Julie Meyer says
I send my love and condolences. My mother loved Jeanette so much, talked about their good times together. Maybe they are both having a nice visit together in Heaven today. I imagine it so. Take care, and much love,
– Julie Meyer (Ann (Haase) Meyer’s daughter)