Jeanette Orpha Waalen was born on October 31, 1919 in Nerstrand, Minnesota the daughter of Simon and Hilda (Johnson) Simonson. Her family eventually made their home near Amery, Wisconsin. On July 27, 1946 she was united in marriage to Benton "Tony" Waalen at the Deronda Lutheran Parsonage. Together they had one son Gary. They lived in the twin cities for a couple years before returning to rural Amery. Jeanette worked at Fabri-tek for many years. After the closing of Fabri-tek she worked at UFE in Dresser, Wisconsin until her retirement. She was an active member of Little Falls Lutheran Church. She served in many offices of the ladies group, was a quilter as well as a Sunday school teacher for many years. She also served at the Sunday School Superintendent. She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. She also spent time crocheting. She kept nice flower beds around her home and was meticulous in their care. Following a stroke, Jeanette became a resident of Golden Age Manor in Amery where she passed away on Monday, December 30, 2013 at the age of 94 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and one brother Stanley Simonson. Surviving family members include her son Gary; nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Little Falls Lutheran Church in rural Amery. There will be visitation at the funeral home on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. and for the hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Little Falls Cemetery.