Jeannette Dickey

Jeannette Marie Dickey was born on March 23, 1930 to Anton Kern Jr.  and Mathilda (Vorderbruggen) Kern at home in Bluegrass, Minnesota. She attended country school District #14 near Bluegrass.

Jeannette worked at Skye's drug store in Wadena, Munsingwear in Little Falls, and Northwestern National Life in Minneapolis, as a young girl. On June 4 1955, she was united in marriage to Eugene W. Dickey at St. Ann's Catholic church in Wadena. They were married 24 years and had 10 children.

Jeannette helped her husband,  manage the 10-50 Club in Corcoran and Gene's bar in Loretto. They also operated a 14 cabin resort in Squaw Lake Minnesota. Settling in Wadena, she was employed at Homecrest for 23 years and that is where she retired in 1995.

Jeannette was a member of St Hubert's Catholic church in Bluegrass and St. Ann's Catholic church in Wadena. She enjoyed making and donated many crafts and quilts to the church for fundraisers.

After retirement, she enjoyed traveling across the United States. She loved crafting, singing, gardening, bird watching, and sewing quilts. Jeannette often said her children were her greatest blessing. As a mother of 10 children, she always found time for them individually and made each one of them feel special.

Jeannette became sick suddenly and passed away at the age of 90 on February 11, 2021 at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena. She will be missed by the staff there as well as by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Mathilda Kern. Three brothers, Roger Kern, Kenneth Kern, and Perry Kern. Two daughters, Marla Mae Dickey and Charlene (Dickey) York., one son, Chris W. Dickey.

Jeannette is survived by her children: Michele (Donald) Ziegler of Staples, Minnesota; Chad (Kathy) Dickey of Wadena, Minnesota; Paul (Dawn) Dickey of Nowthen, Minnesota; Marlise (Les) James of North Port, Florida; Lolita (Mike) Simpson of Eagle River, Alaska; Robert (Wendy) Dickey of Big Lake, Minnesota; and Charles Dickey of Eagle Bend, Minnesota; 26 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; siblings: Victor Kern Sr. of Wadena, Minnesota; Elroy Kern of Verndale, Minnesota; and Marilyn Swanson of Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena. 

In lieu of memorials, please have Masses said or donation given to St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

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