Jeanne T. Needham

On October 17, 2022, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, Jeanne Needham quietly passed away at the age of 89. Jeanne was born on August 7, 1933, in Waukon, Iowa, the 6th of 7 children to Leo and Florence Burns. She is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; daughter, Kim; and son, Lyle, as well as her siblings Don, Dorothy, Marylou and Bill.  She leaves behind her; daughter, Renee Johnson; son-in-law, Craig Johnson; son, Todd Needham; and daughter-in-law, Kat Needham, brother Ray, sister Ruth and brother-in-law Tom Collins (Dorothy).  
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 2 years after they were married and Len was stationed in San Francisco, CA, young Jeanne was pregnant with their first of her four children, Kim.   After Kim was born, Len left  the Navy when his enlistment was over and they moved to Antioch, Illinois and then eventually to their family farm in Wilmot, Wisconsin, 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 60’s, 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.   We invite you to leave your thoughts and memories of Jeanne here for all to enjoy and be sure to post a picture if you have one that you would like to share.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions may be made to:
    Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S Allen Rd, Flat Rock , NC 28731