Helen Jean (Brandt) KEMMERER

BRANDT, KEMMERER, KLENZE, MOORE, HIGGINS, VALENTI, FLOWERS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/13/2008 at 10:29:42

Helen Jean Brandt Kemmerer, 96, passed away at the St. Francis Nursing Home on May 3, 2008, with her beloved daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter by her side. She was born on April 6, 1912, in Davenport, Iowa, a daughter of John and Eleanor Klenze Brandt. Jean graduated from Davenport High School in 1929 and went on to attend the University of Iowa, where she was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Jean later transferred to the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1935. She went on to take a post-graduate course in anesthesia at Cook County Hospital, both in Chicago. On Aug. 15, 1936, she married Wayne F. Kemmerer of Parkersburg, Iowa. Together they had three children. The couple resided in Dows, Iowa, where Wayne had a law practice until he joined the U.S. Navy to serve as a navigator on the USS Kassan Bay, an aircraft carrier, during World War II. Jean returned to Davenport with three young children to live with her parents while she worked as an anesthesiologist. After returning from the war, Jean and Wayne moved to Oelwein, Iowa, where Wayne practiced family law and they raised their children, Jay, Charles and Linda.

While in Oelwein, Jean became an active volunteer and was critical in her efforts to found a community swimming pool and establish summer swimming lessons in conjunction with the Red Cross Water Safety Program. She was also active with the First Presbyterian Church and began a 50-plus year relationship with the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization). After her husband's death in 1967, Jean continued to work as a nursing supervisor at the Mental Health Institute in Independence, Iowa, until retiring in 1977. Jean moved to Fond du Lac in 1978, where she continued her active membership in P.E.O., extensive volunteerism and travel throughout the world, and most importantly, she was a constant in the lives of her grandchildren, from whom they learned much.
Jean excelled in swimming and was always very interested in nature and wildlife of any kind. The Kemmerer family raised beagles for 16 years which brought many happy memories. She was recognized for her work and dedication to SHHH (Self Help for the Hard of Hearing), the Republican Party, Pilgrim United Church of Christ and P.E.O. She was chosen as an Outstanding Citizen of the Year for Fond du Lac in 1992.

Many relatives and friends will miss Jean as she was a friendly and outgoing person. She treasured correspondence, not only from relatives, but co-workers, classmates and other friends. Jean was loved by many in addition to her family. She is survived by her children, Jay (Diane) Kemmerer of Mountain Home, Ark., Charles (Viola) Kemmerer of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Linda (Gene) Moore of Fond du Lac; five grandchildren, Linda (John) Higgins of Boulder, Colo., James (Kara) Kemmerer of Davenport, Iowa, Daniel Kemmerer of Moorpark, Calif., Jason (Aggie) Kemmerer of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Jill Valenti of Chicago; five great-grandchildren, John Patrick, Erin and Tierney Higgins of Boulder, Colo., and Brandt and Evie Kemmerer of Davenport, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; a brother, Charles; and a granddaughter, Anne Marie Moore Flowers.

Visitation: The family will greet friends and relatives from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at the St. Francis Nursing Home Chapel, 33 Everett St., Fond du Lac. Services: A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at the St. Francis Nursing Home Chapel with the Rev. Janice L. Davis officiating. Interment will take place at a later date at Fairmont Cemetery, Davenport, Iowa. Memorials may be made in Jean's name to Pilgrim United Church of Christ-Parish Nurse Program or St. Francis Foundation-Palliative Care Program. Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family.

The Reporter
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
May 6, 2008