Lorene Jahns

Lorene Jahns, 89, of Brandon, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 3, 2021, in her home. She was born on July 28, 1931, the daughter of Gerrit and Belle (Sloper) Smit. She graduated from Rosendale Union Free High School, where she was proud to be a cheerleader.  After graduation from high school, Lorene worked at the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) office until she married her best friend, Raymond Jahns, on June 6, 1953, at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairwater.

Lorene was a pioneer in paving the way for today’s career women and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind to her superiors. Along with raising five children, Lorene was employed in a variety of positions outside the home including supervising the night shift in the Wax Department at Precision Metalsmiths, Inc., Markesan; holding positions as bookkeeper and floor lady at American Stores Dairy Canning Factory, Fairwater; and working as a receptionist at M&I Bank, Ripon. She was also a bus aide for developmentally disabled children in the Ripon School District for many years until her retirement and helped out occasionally at the school.

Lorene was dedicated in her service to others. She served as treasurer for the Township of Metomen for 16 years. She was the first woman to be elected to the church council at Zion Lutheran Church, where she also served as treasurer of the Student Aid Fund. In addition, she and Ray volunteered as greeters and tellers. Lorene and Ray were avid sports enthusiasts and followed the teams of their children and, later, their grandchildren.

Lorene is survived by her loving husband, Raymond, and their children, all of whom were special to her: LorRae (Scott) Crubaugh, Oshkosh; Larry (Ruth) Jahns, Ripon; Dennis (Sue) Jahns, Ripon; Donna (Dave) Hein, Ripon; and Dick (Kristine) Jahns, Ripon. She was also very proud of her grandchildren: Charlotte Crubaugh, Crystle (AJ) Salm and Cory Crubaugh; Konna (Michael) Wegener, Michael (Rachel) Jahns and Christy (Joe) Pitsch; Ryan and Kyle Jahns and Trisha (Landon) Ellis; Jim (Sara) Hein, Angie (Andy) Miller and Amy Hein; and Jordyn and Cade Jahns; and her step-grandchildren Stevie-Marie and Brock Sagmeister. Lorene was blessed to see eight great-grandchildren: Jacob and Anastasia Hein; Seraphina Salm; Halia and Isaac Wegener; Isabelle Lorene and Audrey Miller; and Callen Jahns. Lorene's surviving siblings are Gene (Alice) Smit, Durham, NC; Carol (David) Jepson, Oshkosh; and Linda (Jerry) Karls, Fond du Lac. She is further survived by her sisters-in-law Mary Ella Smit, Fond du Lac; and Carol (Bruce) Carter, Necedah. Lorene was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Hazel Smit; and three brothers: Randy, Roy and Glen Smit.

Funeral services for Lorene will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church, Fairwater, with Pastor Kimberly Stowell officiating followed by a lunch. Visitation with Lorene’s family will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon is proudly serving the Jahns family during such a difficult time. Divinepassagefunerals.com

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