Jeanine Helen Mcgrath

Jeanine Helen McGrath (Weisensel)

Jeanine Helen McGrath, age 76 of Climax Springs, MO, passed away peacefully departing this life surrounded by her family on Sunday afternoon, June 9, 2024.

Jeanine was born in Columbus, WI on October 28, 1947, where her father's family farmed until 1955 when they moved to Madison, WI. In 1962, the family then moved to Racine, WI where in 1966 she graduated from William Horlick High School. She then met the love of her life Steve who she had once said in a conversation with her friend that “he wasn’t quite tall enough”. In their first meeting of each other his blue eyes captivated her and made up for his height. Jeanine and Steve wed on December 7, 1968 and to this union three children were born. Together they raised their children beginning in Racine, Wisconsin for a number of years before moving to Algonquin, Illinois where they remained until her retirement to the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri in 1998.

Jeanine was employed by Wisconsin Bell as a telephone operator out of high school. She later attended Gateway and earned certificates for childcare and developement, and worked at a local daycare center while her children were young. She then returned to AT&T, SBC, and then Ameritech Services as a District Manager.

Jeanine volunteered her time as a Girl Scout Leader for years and enjoyed leading groups at Tree Foil Oaks day camp during the summers. She was an avid crafter. She enjoyed crocheting and sewing the most. She made many quilts in which she donated. She also assisted with the St. Lucy's Food Pantry.

While retired she especially enjoyed grandma time with Travis and Tyler. She came out of retirement and she worked at the Lakewood Resort in the office and also at the Lake Regional Medical Center where she worked as a huc in ICU and step-down. She loved spending time at her deck in her favorite home in Linn Creek, MO overlooking Lake of the Ozarks, as well as, enjoying the view from their condo in Osage Beach, MO. Jeanine and Steve returned to Wisconsin in 2004. She obtained a part-time position at Frank Gentile in Mount Pleasant, WI. Jeanine enjoyed grandparenting Nick and Joey, and Brooke and Chase whenever the opportunity arose. Her favorite activity was baking with them and doing crafts. In 2018, Jeanine and Steve moved back to Missouri, one last time, and lived next door to Marilyn in Climax Springs, MO.

During these last few years, Jeanine has been involved in the community. Jeanine volunteered her time at Taste of Heaven at a local church. She joined in at a quilting club along with Chicks with Sticks crocheting group at the libaray. Jeanine enjoyed creating a club for carding making and participated a few times before becoming ill.

She loved nature and was excited about the Climax Springs Natural Spring Hill Park project.

She is survived by her two daughters, Margaret & Charles (Chip) Lechner of Necedah, Wisconsin and Marilyn & Rodney Emery of Climax Springs, Missouri; a son, Michel & Jen McGrath of Carpentersville, Illinois; six grandchildren, Brooke Lechner, Chase Lechner, Travis Nowak & Kristina Douglas, Tyler Nowak, Nicholas (Nick) McGrath, and Joseph (Joey) McGrath; her sister Sally & Don Witte of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; and her two brothers Denis & Sue Weisensel of Sturtevant, Wisconsin and David & Rebecca Weisensel of Salisbury, NC. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen (Steve) McGrath; her parents, Verian and Helene (Jaje) Weisensel; her brother Kenneth Weisensel; her sister, Delores Anderson and three unknown grandchildren.

Jeanine made a profession of her faith and was a member of the Catholic church and Climax Springs Assembly of God church.

She was a loving and a caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will treasure the memories she created for her family and friends.

A memorial service and inurnment will be held at a later date in her home town of Racine, Wisconsin and will be announced when dates and times are finalized.

Memorial donations may be made to the family and mailed to Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, 15 Clint Avenue, Camdenton, Missouri 65020.

In leau of flowers, donations may be made to the Climax Springs Natural Spring Hill Park project.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home.