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Jeanette Kehrli Moeller
November 6, 1926 – June 27, 2012
Jeanette Kehrli Moeller, 85, of South Bend died at 6:08 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in Hospice House of South Bend. She was born November 6, 1926 in Milwaukee, WI. On September 11, 1948, she married Leroy W. Moeller, a fellow senior at Lawrence College, in Appleton, WI. In 1952, they moved to South Bend.
The following year, she and her husband became charter members of Bethany Lutheran Church. In addition to serving the congregation in every way imaginable, she and her family acquired a group of life-long Bethany friends. At about the same time, she found her vocation as a teacher. She taught both elementary and junior high math and reading in the South Bend Community School system where she developed a second set of dear friends. Her success in the classroom led to her service on the Indiana State Board of Education. Long after her retirement in 1989, she continued to run into former students who invariably reminisced about her demanding but caring style and the influence she had on their lives.
In the 1970s her commitment to community grew in two new ways. After the death of her husband on December 5, 1969, the lure of Republican politics pulled her deeper into the public square. A bold, effective leader, she served multiple terms as vice-chair and then chair of the St. Joseph County Republican Party. In 1980 she was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Detroit. In 1974 she found her fourth calling with her election to the Board of Directors of the Teachers Credit Union. In addition to chairing the Board from 1989-1998, she served on the Indiana Credit Union League for three years. By the time her service ended in 2011, TCU had grown from a local lending institution to the largest credit union in the state of Indiana.
Always looking for the perfect balance between hard work and good fun, she took pride in her many accomplishments, her deep and loyal friendships, both with her peers and those she mentored, and her community service. The list of organizations that mattered to her is long and includes the St. Joseph County Scholarship Foundation, Delta Kappa Gamma, more than fifty years of regular gatherings and friendship with her Alpha Delta Pi sorority sisters, and her work with the St. Joe County Retired Educators. She was especially proud of being honored by the Governor of Indiana with the Sagamore of the Wabash award.
She is survived by her children, Wendy L. Moeller (John F. Emanuel) of Milwaukee and John Moeller (Lindy) of Decorah, IA; and three grandchildren, Marguerite, Daniel and Catherine Moeller.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 30th in Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5302 W. Sample St. with Rev. Kenneth Peterson officiating. Committal services and burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN. The family will receive friends from 4 until 8 p.m. on Friday June 29th in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Rd. and in the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship Foundation of St. Joseph County, Bethany Lutheran Church, the Center for Hospice Care, or a charity of your choice. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.
Charitable donations may be made in Jeanette's memory to the following organizations:
Bethany Lutheran Church
5302 West Sample, South Bend, IN 46619
Center for Hospice and Palliative Care
111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637
Donors choice.
Scholarship Foundation of St. Joseph County
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Condolence Booklet
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Robert and Nancy Cook
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Posted Thu June 28, 2012
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We are so sorry for your loss.
Bob has spoken so many times throughout the years of what a fine woman your Mother was. He enjoyed their friendship very much.
May you find comfort from all of the memories you have of your Mother.
Sincerely, Nancy and Bob Cook , Harbor Springs, Michigan
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Bev Stitt Rutan
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Posted Fri June 29, 2012
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I will miss your mom. She had such a great laugh and sense of humor. When mom was ill she sent her such encouraging notes which mom really apppreciated. May the celebration of her life fill you with great memories.
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Denise Kapsa Berscheit
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Posted Fri June 29, 2012
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Jeanette Moeller was a grand lady. I met her when I became the Director of Volunteer Services for SJRMC. She was a volunteer in our Gift Shop and contributed 525 hours of service. It was pleasure to know her. My expression of sympathy and prayers are with her family and friends. May she rest in peace. Amen.
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Dan White
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Posted Fri June 29, 2012
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Dear Wendy, John and Family,
I was so sorry to learn about the passing of your mom. I saw Bill Welsheimer last night and he told me that this had happened. Unfortunatley I will be out of town and unable to personally express my sympathy to you.
I have fond memories of "Mrs. Moeller". She was kind and caring to me growing up with you all. I can still remember when your dad passed away suddenly. I came over to your house for support of the Moellers. She was strong and was a rock for both of you.
When I came back to town to practice there were many times we would run into her at a restaurant. She would always give me a big smile,a hug and was interested in what we were doing.
Her legacy will leave many things. But her greatest gift was raising 2 outstanding people in both of you. Remember all the good memories you shared with her.
The 3-F's - Faith, Family & Friends will be a comfort to you all. May God give you extra strength during this time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Dan White
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Karmen Duke
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Posted Fri June 29, 2012
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Mrs. Moeller was one of the best teachers I ever had. I think that being strict people saw her as being mean but I saw her as being the best at her craft. God bless you duing this difficult time and may your memories bring you comfort.
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Susan Hile Walker
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Posted Fri June 29, 2012
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John & Wendy,
Many fond memories were prompted with this notice. Our moms sure knew how to have fun in all that they shared, conventions, Florida trips, bridge… Good friends.
Over the years your mom has been only a thought away. This is hardly a reason for that to stop. My sympathy.
Susan Hile Walker
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Juan and Kimberly Manigault
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Posted Mon July 02, 2012
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Dear Wendy and John:
We are so sorry to learn about the passing your mom and our friend, Jeanette.
Your mother and I served together on the TCU Board of Directors for 19 years. In addition, we worked together to better South Bend and grow the Republican Party in St. Joseph County. Your mother played a invaluable role in my campaign in 2007 for Mayor of South Bend. We served together on many of the same boards.
Your mother was a kind, generous and loving individual. We had many good talks and she always challenged us to do more to serve others.
We are now living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Your family will be in our prayers.
May God bless you during this time of sorrow.
Respectfully Yours,
Juan and Kimberly Manigault
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Lisa Ann Coryell
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Posted Mon July 02, 2012
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I was a long time employee of Teachers Credit Union. Mrs. Moeller was one of my favorites on the board of directors. She always had time for a smile or a laugh, and never made you feel inferior, although she had earned the right to do so. I will miss you my dear friend...go fly with the angels!
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Beverly Johnson-Miller
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Posted Tue July 03, 2012
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What a privilege it was to have Mrs. Moeller as my 6th grade teacher at John O'Brien Elementary. She was a WONDERFUL teacher! I remember her strength, her smile, and especially her laughter. I have vivid memories of Mrs. Moeller going out of her way to make me feel special and important. She was a gifted teacher and her influence went far beyond the expected academic learning. Mrs. Moeller made me aware of myself- my gifts, my worth, and my potential. This has had a lasting and powerful impact on my life. For this I am forever grateful. My condolences to Mrs. Moeller's family and close friends.
Beverly Johnson-Miller, Ph.D.
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Lynn Coddington
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Posted Sun July 08, 2012
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So sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. She was my 5th and 6th grade teacher and I became a teacher because of her. I would be in my classroom in a situation and ask myself, "What would Mrs. Moeller do?" I just saw her in Martin''s before Christmas and talked to her for probably 45 minutes. I told her a story I had never told anyone. I was in 5th grade and I loved her so much I wanted to get her something very special but my family didn''t have the means to do that. I found a perfume bottle on my mom''s dresser that had been used and i filled it to the top with water so she would think it was brand new. I was so proud to give it to her so I could let her know how much she meant to me instead of my usual plate of cookies. She was thrilled with it, as I remember. After I told your mom last year I had to tell my mom. She laughed!!
She will be missed by many. What a lady!!
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