Jeanette M. Kahlhamer

Jeanette Marion Kahlhamer, 85, of Mayville, passed into eternity Thursday, November 7, 2013 at Matthews of Horicon. Born February 4, 1928, in Leroy, WI, the last of four children to Frank and Anselma (Kehrmeyer) Schabel. With her mother passing at a young age, Jeanette along with her siblings helped take care of the home and the farm. She attended St. Andrews Catholic School in Leroy and later Mayville High School.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2013, 11:00AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville with Father Tom Biersack presiding. Visitation is prior to service from 9:00-11:00 and a luncheon will follow mass at the church school gym.

On October 2, 1948, Jeanette married her childhood sweetheart, the late Melvin Kahlhamer at St. Andrews Catholic Church and in 1952 built their own home in Mayville where they raised 10 children. They were married 65 years.

While Melvin built homes throughout Wisconsin, Jeanette worked hard providing a loving home for her growing family. Later, they managed the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper together for 15 years, employing many local youth as paper carriers. Jeanette also taught youth her sewing and cooking skills thru many years of 4-H and Girl Scout involvement. During her senior years, Jeanette spent her time visiting the elderly, delivering communion to home-bound church members and being a member of Mayville American Legion Auxiliary.

Jeanette enjoyed being around people: family, friends and even strangers. She loved sitting on her front porch “giving a wave” or “getting a beep” from neighbors and just watching the runners pass by. Though she was often direct with expectations of her children, she was also known as “a sweetest sassy thing” with a sense of humor in witty one-liners and a competitive edge seen when playing Parcheesi with her grandchildren.

Jeanette is survived by her 10 children, 33 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. Her children are Alan (Louise) Kahlhamer of Fond du Lac; Diane (Roger) Schultz of Paris, TN; Mark (Jackie) Kahlhamer of Mayville; Bruce Kahlhamer of Ogden, Utah; Susan (Larry) Retzlaff of Mayville; John (Karla) Kahlhamer of Fond du Lac; Gary (Susana) Kahlhamer of Horicon; Jerome Kahlhamer of Mayville; Daniel (Karen) Kahlhamer of Mauston; and Christine (Tim) Frahm of Neenah. She is further survived by her sister Eileen Flasch of Campbellsport.

She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin Kahlhamer, parents Frank and Anselma (Kehrmeyer) Schabel, later step-mother Lilly (Kennedy) Schabel, her brother Franklin Schabel of Fond Du Lac, and her sister Virginia Feller of Mayville.

No words can express the appreciation the family has for the compassionate care of the staff at Matthews of Horicon. Every member played a part in impacting her last eight months: providing a safe home, an active lifestyle and strong friendships. Among the residents, she was able to rejuvenate old friendships and create new ones. The family also expresses deep appreciation to staff of Agnesian Hospice for their support and gently walking with us. Jeanette spent her last days among many family and great friends.