Obituary of Jean P. Feehan

Jean P. Feehan, 90, lifelong resident of Gaylord, MN died peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at New Harmony Care Center in St. Paul, MN. Jean Phyllis Feehan was born July 11, 1924 to Ethel (Lybarger) and Walter Thompson in Slayton, MN. She lived in Westbrook, MN until 1927 when her family moved to Gaylord where her father managed the Botsford Lumber Company. Jean graduated from Gaylord High School in 1942. After graduation, Jean attended Macalester College for one year, then transferred to the University of Minnesota, where she received her B.S. in nursing in 1947. During WWII she wore a uniform as a nurse cadet in the University Hospital while filling in for the regular nurses who were in the military services. After graduation she continued to work at the University Hospital. During that time, she met her future husband, Chester Walter Feehan, who had served in the US Navy in the Pacific. His family had bought the grain elevator in Gaylord. Jean and Chester were married on March 5, 1949 at Gaylord Congregational Church. They were married for 57 years until Chester passed away in 2006. After their marriage, they settled in Gaylord where he managed the elevator, and she worked as a nurse, first in the hospital in Glencoe, then later in the new hospital in Gaylord. She also helped Chester extensively with bookkeeping at the grain elevator. It was during that time their three children - Mark, Pat, and Mike - were born. Over those years their family enjoyed visiting relatives and going to their cabin on Lake Julia. Raising their children was a very important part of their life. When her children were in High School, Jean returned to school to renew her RN nursing credentials and went to work once again at the Gaylord Hospital for a number of years. Their life was filled with many good memories and strong ties with family and friends. They enjoyed extensive travel together, visiting their children’s families, maintaining close relationships with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, visiting friends and escaping the cold winters of Minnesota in retirement. They also traveled throughout Minnesota in 1992-1993 with her Grand Family, Order of the Eastern Star. Jean’s hobbies included knitting, reading, and baking. Jean was a loving wife, mother, and grandma devoted to her family. She would like to be remembered as someone who cared about people. Jean is remembered for her tremendous focus on her faith, family, charitable activities, and taking a leadership role in her many and varied endeavors. Jean was a lifelong member of the Gaylord United Church of Christ. She was a 50+ year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Winthrop Chapter 119 and Sunshine Chapter 98, St. Charles. She was a Grand Officer for the State of Minnesota Eastern Star Order in 1992-93. She also held many leadership positions during her service with the Winthrop Chapter. She was very active in the church and her many contributions included being in charge of the archives, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, serving as a Deacon, and participating on the pastoral search committee. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ethel Thompson, husband Chester Feehan, and granddaughter Jenna Fredrickson. She will be deeply missed by her children, Mark Feehan and his wife Dolly; Patricia Fredrickson; Mike Feehan and his wife Amy; grandchildren, Marcus Feehan and his wife Katie, Lucas Feehan, and Abby LeBrun and her husband Kirk; Brad Fredrickson and his wife Megan, and Sean Fredrickson and his wife Beth; Katie Feehan and Michael Feehan; great-grandchildren, Cole and Kaden Fredrickson, Margaret Feehan; cousins and friends. A memorial service was held at Gaylord United Church of Christ on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 3:00 PM, preceded by an Order of the Eastern Star service at 2:30 PM, and visitation at 1:30 PM. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Gaylord U.C.C. or MN Masonic Charities. A special thank you to caregivers at Oak Terrace in Gaylord, and New Harmony in St. Paul.