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Jeannette Suhr, 88, of Alta died May 24, 2026, at her home.
Funeral services will take place Monday, June 1, at 1 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Hanover. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Visitation will take place Sunday, May 31, from 5-8 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta.
Jeannette Ford was born June 16, 1937, near Aiken, S.C., the daughter of John and Lessie (Lowe) Ford. Growing up, she attended school in Aiken.
On Dec. 29, 1954, Jeannette was united in marriage to Lester Suhr in South Carolina. Together, they were blessed with three sons: David, Gene and Kenneth.
Jeannette spent much of her married life working alongside her husband on their farm south of Hanover. She also worked at Hy-Vee, the Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune and Aurelia Daycare. A natural caregiver, Jeannette had a special love for children and dedicated many years to childcare work. She treasured the time she spent caring for children and found great joy in being surrounded by them.
Jeannette was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Hanover, where she expressed her love of music by singing in the church choir.
In her later years, Jeannette enjoyed making afghans and scarves for family and friends. She also loved baking, especially cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies, which she delighted in sharing with friends, neighbors and loved ones.
Jeannette and Les enjoyed dancing with friends, playing cards and traveling throughout the United States. Above all, Jeannette cherished her family and was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 71 years, Lester Suhr of Alta; children: David (Terri) Suhr of Alta; Gene (Cindy) Suhr of Aurelia; and Kenneth (Heidi) Suhr of Schaller; grandchildren: Josh Suhr, Kayla (John) Wilson, Tina (John) Ishii, Megan (Jeremy) Lenz, Samantha (Jorge) Suhr, Dylan Suhr, Joseph Suhr, Blake (Katelynn) Suhr and Rachel (Trevor) Suhr; along with 17 great-grandchildren and one on the way; extended family and friends.
Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lessie Ford; siblings: Edna Ford, Lucy Murrell, Edward Ford, Geneva Ford, Junior Widener, Tommy Widener and James Key; along with several nieces and nephews.
