Jeannie passed away peacefully with her two surviving daughters by her side at St. Peters Hospital. She was 80 year of age. Eickmeyer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May of 2015. She battled every day until the cancer got the best of her where she finally laid to rest and went to heaven.
Jeannie was born on February 1, 1936 to Henry (Hank) and Doris Yaeger. As an only Child, Jeannie grew up with ambition, adventure, and creativity. As a young child her travel adventures began accompanying her father on various business trips back East; her travel adventures never ceased. She enjoyed traveling to Germany, Mexico, Switzerland and Holland.
In February 1958, Jeannie married James (Jim) Eickmeyer. Together they had three girls, Kim, Terry and Lori. In 1969 they divorced. Jeannie took on the role as a single parent to three young girls. Jeannie worked very hard over the years making sure her girls were well cared for. She worked endless hours so her girls could participate in various sport camps and other activities. She would save a small amount of each pay check when her girls were younger so they could enjoy adventurous ski trips throughout Montana. She never missed a summer vacation with her girls. Vacations typically included camping in Canada or on the Pacific Coast. She also enjoyed back packing in the country. When Jeannie and the kids needed a great family get away they would travel to Lincoln Montana to the family cabin. Jeannie taught her girls to be adventurous and independent. Her annual vacations with her girls continued on for the duration of her life. Some of her favorite girl’s trips where to the San Diego Chargers football game in the Seattle Seahawks dome, the many concerts they took which included Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, and Charlie Pride. Another great memory to Jeannie was taking various trips over seas and enjoying the scenery. She loved all Mexico trips to Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Tijuana, and Ensenada, Mazatlán, and Rosarita. Jeannie also enjoyed her site seeing and relaxation trips throughout the U.S. which included traveling to San Diego, Arizona, or wherever the sun beamed down on her where she could listen to waves crashing having a beverage or two.
Jeannie was a sports fanatic, she cheered on the San Diego Chargers, the Montana State Bobcats, and her golf guru’s Tiger Woods and Phil Nikelson. She rarely missed a grandkids sporting event whether it was tee-ball, small fry football, regular football, softball, basketball, track, wrestling, or rodeo.
Jeannie worked for the Department of Livestock where she retired as the State Brand recorder in 1998. Here she met a broad circle of friends in the agriculture industry ranging from ranchers, farmers and wrangler “butt” cowboys.
She remained close friends with her classmates from the Helena High School’s class of 54’. They formed a group which meet for “Beer & Wings” every Wednesday at the Brewhouse. They still reside to this location.
Jeannie loved all of her outings and always was the life of a party. Her funny sense of humor attracted so many people into her life. She was blessed to have so many friends! Her famous motos were: “If it’s a party… I’ll be there!”, “If you start it… You’ll finish it”, “Don’t tell me you can’t do it!”
Jeannie is proceeded in death by her parents and eldest daughter Kim. Surviving Terry (Mike) Clark, Lori Cole, grandkids- Shaun Capps, Monica (Dan) Luciano, Brandon Capps, Beau (Charli) Clark, Joshua (Kate) Clark, Sara (John) Gottschalk, Chad (Kim) Cole, Carmon (Jaramia) Bunker, and Tyler Cole. Great grand Kids- Lindsey Buckley, Tori Capps, Gunnar, Jessa, Juliana, Alfred Luciano, Casen Clark, Krosston and Bowen Clark, Lucas Gottschalk, Jayger and Blake Bunker, and baby Brielle Cole on the way.
She would like to thank the many special people in her life, Dr. Paustian, her heart specialist, Dr. Weiner & Dr. Thomas her cancer doctors and the rest of the oncology “angels” known as the nurses at St. Peters Hospital. She would also like to thank Bertha “The Vampire” at St. Peters Hospital Laboratory for being her blood doctor. A huge thank you to her visitors delivering endless flowers arrangements and for the delicious meals. Thank you dearly to all friends for the positive messages and prayers throughout these hard times. Thank you to her best friend Rita and her classmates of 54’ for all the fun adventures!
A celebration of Jeannie’s life will be Friday, March 4 from 4pm to 7pm at The Gateway Center. Jeannie’s ashes will be spread in a private family gathering.
Jeannie was an avid animal lover, she loved her community and supported Helena whenever possible. She requested to please send donations to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society. PO Box 4455 Helena, MT 59604. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.helenafunerals.com
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Barbara and David Clark says
Our prayers are with you and your family,Terry during this difficult time. If you need anything call.
Barb and David Clark
Kathleen Delaney Pace says
Lori and family, over the years I enjoyed visiting with Jean at softball games. But, my funnest memory was at last year’s Spayghetti event. Jean kept out bidding me on the ski lounge chair. In the end I came home with that damn chair, but I think Jean was the winner…..she made sure I donated money to the humane society that night. I’ll always have a smile and fond memories of a delightful woman named Jean as I continue to enjoy my chair. RIP Jean
Sarah says
Grandma Jean, you will be forever missed. I’ll never forget how hardcore of a softball fan you were. One of the very best! Your family is lucky to have an angel as great as you watching over them!
With love,
Sarah Sesselman
Wendy Sesselman says
We are so very sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. She was an incredible lady and we loved her company at softball games and tournaments. Many good memories of fun times and laughter when she was around! May your family be comforted with all of your wonderful memories of this special lady.
The Sesselman’s
Mary Ann George says
My deepest condolences to you all. Jeannie was one of the most upbeat, funny, wonderful people I’ve ever known. We met at the YMCA and used to swim laps together and served in the Y Service Club together. We spent many laugh filled times writing the newsletter. I feel very grateful to have known her. The world has lost a bright light for sure.
Randy and Connie Hendrix says
We are very sorry to hear of Jeannie’s passing. Hank and Doris were our next door neighbors when my brother and I grew up on 705 8th ave.in Helena. They were wonderful friends. We were friends with Jeannie and remember her marriage and then the birth of her wonderful daughters Kim, Terry and Lori. We can remember each of them as babies. My brother and I visited Jeannie at home about a year ago when I traveled to Helena to visit. We shared good ole times and memories and many laughs. I had not seen her in almost 50 years. We are so glad we got to have that visit. Jeannie had a wonderful spirit and sense of humor which we will forever remember. Our deepest sympathy to Terry and Lori and the rest of the family for your loss. Our love to you all. Randy and Connie Hendrix
Loretta Burnham says
Terry and family;
I am so sorry to learn of Jeanne’s passing. I sure enjoyed getting to know her at the health club where I’d see her almost every day. We always had such a great time visiting and laughing. She was always so upbeat and positive. May your loving memories of this very special lady give you comfort and keep you strong.
Loretta Burnham
Anonymous says
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Jean Eickmeyer.