Genevieve "Jean" Proper, 86, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at Golden Living Center East in Rochester due to complications of diabetes.
Jean was born April 14, 1925 to Gusaf and Esther Johnson on a farm in Elm Creek Township near Welcome, Minn. She married Donald Lewis Proper on March 17, 1946, and they farmed in the Zumbro Falls area. They later divorced.
Jean enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, playing cards with friends, playing bingo, shopping for bargains and watching the Twins. She was an avid reader and loved helping people. She had a great sense of humor and loved hearing stories about her children’s misadventures. She loved going up north to her sister’s cabin and hitting every casino on the way! In addition to raising her family, she worked as a custodian the Rochester State Hospital and RCTC. She belonged to the Homestead United Methodist Church, Ladies Auxiliary and Royal Neighbors.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers: Oliver, Dwayne, and Richard Johnson, a daughter, Nancy, and a son, Jimmy.
She is survived by Delores (John) Forbes of Grove City, Minn., Suzanne (James) Wharton of Byron, Minn., Dean (Jackie) Proper of Coon Valley, Wis., Jerry (Karen) Proper of Chatfield, Minn., Leon Proper of Rochester, and Donna Mackey of Goodview, Minn., 18 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters Darlene Tillotson of Carson City, Nev., Marcella (Bob) Brush of Tulsa, Okla., and Averil (Ronnie) Voth of Madison Lake, Minn. She also had several surviving nieces and nephews.
ADVERTISEMENT
Memorials can be sent to the Salvation Army or to the Mayo Foundation for heart research.
A Memorial Service will be held at Homestead United Methodist Church at 400 13th Ave. S.E., Rochester, on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 11 a.m. with Jane Day (minister of Pastoral Care) and the Rev. Andrew Fortuine officiating. Lunch will follow the service. Interment will be at the Pine Island Cemetery.
Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
