Jeanette Rearick

One of the kindest, sweetest ladies, Jeanette Rearick lived life to a beat all her own. Always on the go, she was a bundle of energy who filled the days of those around her with great joy. Jeanette’s joyful spirit and beautiful smile touched the lives of many. A loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew her, Jeanette will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The year 1920 was a time of great change in the U.S. with much taking place in the way of technology, advancements, discoveries, and inventions. Women won the right to vote, and prohibition took effect. A vast majority of the population visited movie theaters each week, while jazz and dance crazes filtered through even the smallest of communities. Known as the Roaring Twenties, a sense of gaiety filled the air with an optimism never before realized. Cause for celebration in the lives of Fred Louis and Clara Anna (Schultz) Shultz was the October 24, 1920 birth of their little girl, Jeanette Clara, whom they welcomed with open arms.

Jeanette’s father owned a local tavern while her mother remained at home as a homemaker with Jeanette and her two older siblings, Mildred and Clarence. As a child she experienced typical adventures, although the onset of the Great Depression cast a shadow of economic hardship for all. Jeanette attended the area schools, and in high school she was very involved in plays and singing. In fact, she received quite a few awards for her singing and musical abilities. Having graduated from Walkerton High School with the Class of 1938, Jeanette was just coming into her own when news of impending war was cause for great concern. Although she went on to attend Indiana University, Jeanette decided to forgo her education and instead went to work for her father at the tavern.

In time, Jeanette began working at the Kingsbury Ordinance Plant, a munitions factory in town. With World War II well underway, Jeanette was doing her part for the war effort, along with encouraging a young handsome soldier she loved. Jeanette had met Jack Rearick in the second grade when he secretly slipped a valentine handkerchief into her coat pocket. From the very beginning, Jack and Jeanette formed a special place in their heart’s for one another. Always smitten, they soon fell deeply in love, and Jeanette could not have been happier than having her forever love by her side.

Jeanette and Jack were blessed in marriage on November 17, 1942 at Ft. Jackson Chapel 13 in Columbia, South Carolina. Jack was serving in the U.S. Army, and Jeanette remained with him stateside until he was sent overseas. At that point, Jeanette returned to their hometown of Walkerton to be with family. Upon his honorable discharge, Jack returned to Jeanette’s waiting arms. Since the war, housing was in big demand and sporting activities had been called off, so for a time they lived in a trailer on a football field while Jack attended law school.

After Jack received his law degree, they moved to Lafayette, Indiana where they made their home for the next two years. Soon they began a family with the birth of their daughter, Charlotte in 1950. Eventually, Jack's career found them moving to the small bedroom community of Wilmette, Illinois on the western shore of Lake Michigan. They loved the area and went on to become lifetime members of First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette. The fall of 1956 brought an added blessing to their lives with the birth of their second daughter, Pam.

Jeanette made a good home for Jack and the girls. She was meticulously clean, and a good organizer. As a family they took numerous family vacations to Mexico where fun was had by all. They shared many memories there which continue to be treasured. As a couple, Jack and Jeanette enjoyed their love of travel. They traveled to many wonderful destinations throughout the world, including unforgettable trips to China, Russia, Thailand, Africa, India, Japan, South America, through the Panama Canal as well as other parts of Europe and Asia. They also enjoyed entertaining in their home. Jeanette was a gracious, phenomenal hostess to all.

Jeanette spent her free time playing tennis and was an avid golfer for years. She enjoyed playing cards and belonged to a bridge club. She served as secretary for the 40 Acre Bird and Garden Club for a time, and was enriched with many friendships. When it came to music, Jeanette loved the sounds of swing and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. A woman of faith, quiet times often found Jeanette reading her bible, or the Reader's Digest. Even so, Jeanette was never one to be idle. Always on the go, she never stopped moving and rarely sat down. She filled her days with activity, family, and the many friends she so enjoyed.

From 1993 to 2008, Jeanette and Jack thoroughly enjoyed their Florida home in Boynton Beach. They shared the friendships of many there, loved the many activities, and all the area had to offer. Sadly, Jeanette's beloved Jack died on February 28, 2008 from COPD in Florida. Her entire life was encompassed by the man she loved for 81 years, and after 65 years of marriage, Jeanette was now left on her own. In November that year, she made the decision to move to Grand Rapids, Michigan to be near family.

Jeanette settled in at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes, which suited her quite well. Jack had been her everything, and this time in Jeanette's life found her blossoming. She made many new friends, and was welcomed with understanding hearts, and open arms. She became involved in many activities, and especially enjoyed euchre, Skip-bo, 3-13, and Dominoes, water aerobics and bridge groups. Jeanette didn't slow down much, and active as ever, she was indeed a social butterfly. She valued her friends, and made it a point to keep in contact with those near and far. She was always up for talking on the phone, and liked keeping up with everyone.

In June of 2014, Jeanette fractured her leg. Though extremely painful, it was undetected by physicians until mid November. It slowed her down, but it didn't quelch her loving and kind spirit. The Friday following this past Thanksgiving, Jeanette underwent surgery. Despite a successful procedure her health slowly diminished, and she acquired sepsis and pneumonia. Five weeks ago Faith Hospice was called in to make Jeanette comfortable until she passed away with her family by her side.

Jeanette Rearick radiated goodness and kindness wherever she went. Fun-loving, she had a tremendous sense of humor, and liked a good laugh. She was also quite conscientious and a bit fastidious at times, but it was just one of the many things to love about her. With ways all her own, Jeanette was a sweet and caring woman who relied on her unending faith. Cherished forevermore, Jeanette will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Jeanette C. Rearick (Shultz), aged 94 of Grand Rapids, formerly of Wilmette, IL, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2014 at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Arden “Jack” Rearick, her sister, Mildred Hostetler, and brother, Clarence (Esther) Shultz. Jeanette is survived by her daughters, Charlotte Rearick and Pamela and son-in-law, John Wesenberg; her grandchildren, Lyndsey (Jon) Marshall, Whitney (Taylor) Wesenberg, Mallory Tucker, and Perry Wesenberg, and Noah Marshall; nieces, nephews, and many friends.

A service to celebrate Jeanette’s life will be held Saturday, January 31, 2015, 1:00 PM at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes Chapel, 2510 Lake Michigan Dr. NW where relatives and friends may meet her family from 12:00 noon until the service begins at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place in Arlington National Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Faith Hospice. To read more about Jeanette’s life, to sign her guest book and to leave your own memory of her, please visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com.