Jean Wanner

Jean Wanner, 72, Hebron, died December 10, 2015, at Sanford Health, Bismarck after a courageous three-month battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Monday, December 14, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Hebron, ND, with Rev. Jeff Zwack officiating. Burial will be held at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Hebron. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm CST Sunday, December 13, at St. Ann’s Church, Hebron, where a vigil/rosary will begin at 6:00 pm CST. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Jean Agnes Wanner was born January 17, 1943, the daughter of Bill and Hilda (Gietzen) Duppong. She grew up on a farm north of Glen Ullin, in Haymarsh. She attended St. Clement’s church and school through the 8th grade. Jean went to high school at St. Mary’s in Richardton, graduating in 1961. Jean continued her education at Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD for one year, studying elementary education. Jean married Jim Wanner on December 27, 1962, at St. Clement’s Church in Haymarsh. They farmed with Jim’s parents, John and Mary Ann, until they purchased a farm east of Hebron in 1971. They joined St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Hebron and were active members in many ways throughout their marriage. Jean taught CCD for over 50 years, and was involved with the Christian Mothers, Parish Council, and Parish Building Committee. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister and was co-director for the Glen Ullin-Hebron Teens for Life. Jean cared for the church flower bed planters throughout the years, enjoying their seasonal changes. She loved flowers and gardens and was known for raising large gardens and sharing produce with family and friends. Jean valued the importance of education and was one of the founding members of the Hebron Area Dollars for Scholars, serving as secretary/treasurer from 1995-2015. She helped her children receive college degrees. In addition, thanks to her love of music, Jean saw to it that all her children received piano lessons—something she always wanted to do, but never had the opportunity. She encouraged her kids to be in band and choir, while she enjoyed participating in community and church choirs. Jean tirelessly devoted her life to helping others in need. She cared for her father Bill, Jim’s parents John and Mary Ann Wanner, Jim’s uncle Bill Nemecz, close friend Margaret Kovarik, and her son Darren, who was injured in a car accident when he was just 18. She hosted numerous holiday gatherings at the farm for not only our family, but extended families as well. Cooking for 40-60 people was second nature to her. Jean’s love for her Catholic faith was evident throughout her life in many ways, such as her involvement at church and her spiritual support of family and friends. Her example of a strong faith and prayer life will continue to bless and inspire all those who had the privilege to know and love her. She was always willing to lend a hand, make room for more at the table, and open her home for family and guests. In many ways, Jean was considered the Matriarch of our extended family, and her support, guidance, and smile will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by her husband of almost 53 years –Jim, Hebron, and her nine children: Don (Deb) Wanner, Hebron; Daryl (Marsha) Wanner, Bismarck; Linda (Ross) Keys, Bismarck; Dennis (Kay) Wanner, Bismarck; Darren, Hebron; Leann (Kirk) Ripplinger, Jamestown; Kent (Lisa) Wanner, Fargo; Keven (Kristi) Wanner, Bismarck; and Kari (Matt) Meyer, Fargo. She also treasured her 30 grandchildren: Nathan (Kristin) Wanner and Vanessa (Levi) Hoff; Lauren, Taylor, Morgan, and Landon Wanner; Jessica and David Keys; Christian, Hailey, Dayna, Isaac, Everett, and Blaise Wanner; Kaitlyn, Noah, Monica and Rachel Ripplinger; Alexis, Daniel, Anthony, Erika, Mark, Miriam, and Lucas Wanner; Dominic Wanner; and Cassidy, Connor and Danica Meyer. Jean is also survived by her siblings: Wayne (Donna) Duppong, Elaine (Bob) Herz, Denis (Jeanne) Duppong, Ken (MaryAnn) Duppong, Jerry (Bev) Duppong, Carol (Don) Cardwell, Bill Jr. (Brenda) Duppong and Sharon (Aaron) Steinwand. She also leaves behind some very special in-laws: Rich Wanner, JoAnn Prom, John Wanner, Lois Wanner, and Archie (Anne Marie) Wanner. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Hilda; step-mother Minnie Duppong; brother Allan Duppong; brothers-in-law Ron Wanner and Will Prom, and grandson Paul Wanner. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Jean Wanner Memorial Fund.