Born in 1926 in southern Illinois, Irene Jeanette Walker (yes-first name Irene, a name of which she was not fond) was destined to cross paths in fifth grade with a dashing fellow classmate named Zach Warren – who became the love of her life. Marriage plans, interrupted by WWII, took place in 1946 upon Zach’s return to civilian life. They eventually settled in Otsego, where together their lives were filled with a growing family, busy careers and many good friends.
Following Zach’s death in 2009, their inseparable bond remained, and he was there to welcome her to Heaven on November 2, 2021. She was greeted by sister Sandy, brother Jack, son Roger, “Momo and PapaDoc” (otherwise known as Cecil and Clara Walker, mom and dad), and her beloved Scamper.
Jeanette was blessed to have the loving and exceedingly caring staff at Stanford Lodge, the amazing staff of Centrica Care Navigators (formerly known as Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan), and of course Pastor Joe, to guide her peacefully and comfortably through this journey. She has left Craig and Leslie to continue the Go Blue! spirit, and to thank everyone for their friendship, support, and caring ways.
A private family service has taken place.
If you wish, memorial donations may be made to
Christian Neighbors
,
Centrica Care Navigators
(Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan) or any animal rescue organization.
Be joyful knowing somewhere in Heaven there is a very fine, silver-haired trumpet player again performing a mesmerizing rendition of “Stardust” to his beloved “Jeannie”, and all is well.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Jeanette Warren
Condolence Messages
Sarah Volker-Clemens
November 2, 2021 at 5:08 pm
My sincerest condolences to Jeannie’s family-I was a former student of Mr. Warren when I was in elementary school at Allegan Street Elementary, and I have very fond memories of him and remember seeing he and Jeannie around town and how they shared such a special love for one another!! May loving memories continue to help to bring you all comfort and peace.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 6:59 pm
Thank you, Sarah, for sharing such an uplifting memory!
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Emily Mills
November 2, 2021 at 5:21 pm
Craig and Leslie- your mom was one of the sweetest souls ever. It was impossible to spend even a few minutes near her without smiling.
I’m so sorry for your loss but I’m sure she is celebrating heaven with your dad and Roger.
Sending hugs
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:01 pm
Your comment made us smile! Thank you.
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MARCIA QUIGLEY
November 2, 2021 at 5:28 pm
Dear Craig and Leslie,
We are sad to hear of your mom’s passing! She was a beautiful, kind and sweet lady!
Please know that she is now an Angel in Heaven watching over you! Her obituary is a beautiful tribute to her!
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:05 pm
Your words provide a lovely description of her, thank you so much.
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Shirley Brownlee
November 2, 2021 at 6:13 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you Craig and Leslie. So sorry for your loss. I loved Jeanette and I loved cooking for her at Stanford Lodge. She was definitely one of my favorite residents.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:08 pm
One thing Jeanette always raved about was the food – and how she loved mealtime. Not only the food, but your company. Thank you for everything.
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Nichole
November 2, 2021 at 6:26 pm
I was blessed Enough to take care of netty from 2014 to about 2019, I loved her very much. Knowing her in so many stages of her life was an absolute blessing . She was a wonderful woman with a beautiful fun loving heart. I will never forget her or her smile. My thoughts and prayers are with Craig and Leslie during this time. I love both of you .
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:10 pm
We spent a lot of time together over the past few years, and we always appreciated everything you did for her. She received excellent care physically and emotionally, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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Randy & Kathy DeMann
November 2, 2021 at 7:01 pm
She was an awesome lady. I will always cherish my memories of her.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:19 pm
Thank you for the lovely message. The kindness you showed her was always appreciated.
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Mrs. Jim Hewitt. (Patti)
November 2, 2021 at 7:08 pm
Dear Craig & Leslie,
Sorry to learn of Jeanette’s passing. She and Zach made such a cute couple! A sweet & gracious lady! (Miss hearing Zach playing his trumpet). Loved reading the wording of Jeanette’s obituary! Never knew her first name was Irene. The picture of Jeanette & Zach is so very nice! Enjoy learning how couples met, and their story was extra special. Condolences to you.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:24 pm
Your comments brought a smile to our faces, and memories of the trumpet playing at church. Thank you for your kind words.
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Darl and Joyce Gilliland
November 2, 2021 at 7:50 pm
It was always a joy to visit Jeanette because she wore a smile that lit up the room. Darl had the privilege growing up next door to the Warrens and enjoyed a lifelong friendship. Joyce had the privilege of accompanying Zach, Jack Warner, Jim Hewitt and Pastor Joe Shaler in church for many Sundays. The rehearsals were crazy but everyone played their best at the Sunday service. Visiting with Jeanette we always talked about her favorite person, Zach, the love of her life. Her face would light up talking about him. Now, they are celebrating being reunited once again. Loving sympathies to Craig and Leslie; may God bless you.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:28 pm
How fortunate they were to have such a long history with both of you. We appreciate you sharing your memories.
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Neil N Browne
November 2, 2021 at 8:10 pm
Craig, our love is with you. Take care of you!!!
Coach Neil and Sue Browne
.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:29 pm
We appreciate your caring thoughts and wishes. Thank you so much!
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Kurt, Jenni, and Isaac
November 2, 2021 at 8:15 pm
Love you Aunt Jeanni. Say hi to everyone and keep on laughing. Will never forget you and Uncle Zach’s visit in the middle of Iowa, all the fishing, the Christmas’ will Maggie and Will in Marion and of course the cheeseburgers! Live you Craig and Les.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:30 pm
How fortunate we are to have such good memories. Love you –
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Steve and Linda (McDonald) Leafdale
November 2, 2021 at 8:45 pm
We are so sorry for your loss, but we know in our hearts that she is happy to be reunited with Zack! They both provided so many good memories for many people through their music and kind words over the years. God Bless you and your family as you mourn the loss of a beautiful lady.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:32 pm
Your kind words of sympathy are very much appreciated.
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Josi Pape
November 2, 2021 at 9:02 pm
So sorry for the loss of your mother. I used to enjoy visiting with her when I used to go to Stanford Lodge. She was quite the lady.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:35 pm
Jeanette always loved visiting! Thank you for your kindness.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:36 pm
Jeanette always loved to visit! Thank you for your kind words.
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Sherry Hanson
November 2, 2021 at 9:55 pm
Dear Craig & Leslie,
Loved your mom Craig – she always was so joyful . It’s been years since I’ve seen her – the last place I spoke with her was at the gym -bless her heart .
Our sincere condolences. Be blessed by all the memories.
Mike & Sherry Hanson
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:38 pm
Thank you for your kind words of sympathy. Your description of “joyful” made us smile.
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Mary Lober
November 3, 2021 at 9:05 am
Dear Craig and Leslie, so sorry for your loss and the void her passing will leave. Love from Mary Lober
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:41 pm
Thank you, Mary, your words mean a lot to us.
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Bryon Campbell
November 3, 2021 at 10:05 am
Warren Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Zach and Jeanette were wonderful people. I had Zach as a principle in elementary school. I meet Jeanette thru the Ash’s (Basil and Joyce) and I know they had a wonderful relationship with them.
You had great parents, missing them will be difficult but focus on the memories, that can’t be taken away….
Bryon Campbell
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:43 pm
Zach and Jeanette had a great friendship with Basil and Joyce; thank you for that memory! Your words are very kind.
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Barb Wolverton
November 3, 2021 at 1:18 pm
Craig and Leslie I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I remember that she always had a big smile and a kind word whenever we met. My deepest sympathy to you both.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:45 pm
Barb,
Thank you for sharing your memories of Jeanette. We send you our prayers also.
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Jill K Smith
November 3, 2021 at 8:08 pm
Craig and Leslie, what an exceptional, wonderful woman Jeanette was. I will never forget the first day that I met her and the instant connection I had with her. I’m so happy that she is finally reunited with her beloved Zach and at total peace. Jeanette has left a forever imprint on my heart and life and I am so thankful that I got to know her (and the both of you as well). My prayers are with you.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:46 pm
You were a big part of Jeanette’s care for many years and we thank you for that. You were always very special to her. Thank you for your prayers.
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Teresa Jeanette
November 4, 2021 at 2:31 pm
Birthdays will never be the same!! So many wonderful memories. I know you are so happy to be reunited with everyone especially Uncle Zach. Dance away!!! Love ya forever and always!!
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:48 pm
We will continue to celebrate both your birthday and Jeanette’s on the same day! How exciting to carry on that tradition. I am sure there will be a lot of story telling and memories to relive. Love you –
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Ashleigh Couty
November 4, 2021 at 5:40 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.
I’m sending big hugs to you Craig!
And mom sends her love!
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Craig and Leslie
November 7, 2021 at 4:55 pm
Thank you for your kind thoughts. Give your Mother a big hug!
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Bonnie Goodacre
November 4, 2021 at 6:18 pm
So sorry for your loss, she and Zach were wonderful people, great neighbors in the Healey neighborhood, committed to doing and giving all they could to those in need. Our boys grew up with Roger, now they’re all together again and our eldest and his Dad are there too. Condolences to all the family remaining and friends, they are all missed.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:50 pm
Your words are very thoughtful and kind, thank you for your kindness and sympathy.
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Ron L Strater
November 8, 2021 at 6:14 pm
Dear Leslie and Craig,
So sorry for your loss. She was a very nice lady. I have good memories of you parents.
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Craig and Leslie
November 8, 2021 at 7:53 pm
Thank you for your expressions of sympathy. Living in the same neighborhood gave you much opportunity to spend time with both Zach and Jeanette. How nice of you to remind us of all those good memories.
Reply
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