Daniel Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Jean Arlene (Kenyon) Lovelace

May 1, 1927 – April 11, 2018

Jean Arlene (Kenyon) Lovelace passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at age 90. Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud, MN. Interment will be at Yankton Cemetery in Yankton, SD, at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 21, 2018. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral services.

 

Jean was born on May 1, 1927 in Weedsport, New York to Esther Weller Kenyon and Herbert Abraham Kenyon. She had one brother Carleton Kenyon.

In the1930’s her parents moved the family to Yankton, South Dakota where Jean grew up. She went to college at Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa and received a degree in Home Economics/Fashion & Textiles.

Jean’s 40-year career as a teacher led her to many experiences from Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota. When she was teaching Home Economics in Corydon, Iowa she met William(Bill) Evans Lovelace who was a science teacher in the same school. Jean was angry at Bill and other single male teachers who ate cakes her class had made for an event. She married Bill anyway, on June 8 ,1952 in Yankton, South Dakota and they were married for 50 years.

Jean had many years in Holdingford, MN teaching Occupational Foods which led many of her students to careers in the food service profession. Her students called her “Lovey” and she participated in many events and pep rallies dressed up as a football player in a tutu or as Boy George.

Jean had numerous talents. Creativity was her best quality. She was fantastic at sewing and crafting. She loved to travel and organized many camping expeditions around the U.S. with her family. She also had a hat program and many groups around the St. Cloud area were privileged to see her program and collection of vintage hats.

She was very active in PEO, Faculty Wives, Home Ec. Club, the Red Hatters, International Neighbors, a gourmet club, a craft club and performed historical programs for the Stearns County Historical Society.

She was a very devoted and generous mother to her children and grandchildren who will share wonderful memories and stories of her. Her famous sayings to her children and students were, “Any job worth doing is worth doing well” and “Stiff Upper Lip”. She had a staunch determination to live in her home and did so until the last weeks of her life. Many thanks go to those who helped fulfill that wish, including Tom Odette, Bud and Lorna Nestle, Jodi and other caregivers from Comfort Keepers, Kathy Gruba and other close friends.

She is survived by her son, Kent (Karen)Lovelace of Grand Forks, ND a daughter Merilee (Jim) Lovelace-Kleiber of Sandpoint, Idaho Her grandchildren, William Lovelace (Brittney Christy) of Grand Forks, ND, Sarah Lovelace of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Katelin Kleiber (Loyale Peterson) of Sandpoint, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation, in her memory, to the Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home 509 Pine Street in Yankton, South Dakota.

 


Guestbook

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Jean, was s spectacular teacher and kind person. I will never forget the Home Economics classes I took at Holdingford HS. Jean was a patient soul and would never give up on her students, she made learning fun! She changed my life! She was wonderful and will bring joy to those in heaven. My heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time, she will be missed but not forgotten.

Jean came to visit me and Merilee one summer and remember a good time on our sailboat. Its tough when a family passes leaving a hole I feel for there loss.

I’ll always remember Lovey and her large rings! I enjoyed bumping int to her on occasion while shopping and was always amazed that she remembers my name. Quite a feat after teaching thousands of students. She was one of a kind. My sympathy to Jean’s family.

We sure enjoyed you visits to Idaho and the great meals you made. I’ll have fond memories of sailing on the sailboat on Lake Pend Oreille

Grandma you got me my first Beanie Baby and you stood in long lines to get the latest one that came out to buy. You sure spoiled me when I was little. Mom & Dad had to redo what you had undone with my behavior. I loved your spunk and sassyness. I so glad we can continue the next generation of the Cramer-Kenyon House

I remember Jean’s visits to Idaho and how she liked dressing up and enjoying a good cup of tea at a tea room or a tea party at the pond. Jean, drink a cup of tea with Ivan!
Merilee carry on the “hats” tradition.

Hey Mom,
Make sure the angels in Heaven make a correct pop over !

My condolences to the immediate family. Aunt Jean was a dear person, well-liked and well-loved. May she rest in peace now and join her other family in heaven.

Services

Schedule Details

Jean Arlene (Kenyon) Lovelace passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at age 90. Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud, MN.  Interment will be at Yankton Cemetery in Yankton, SD, at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 21, 2018.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral services.