Jean Ellen Neisewander

SAN DIEGO, CA — Jean Ellen Neisewander, 87, of San Diego, California, passed away on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2022. Jean passed away sleeping peacefully at home, comforted by several of her daughters and grandchildren and in the care of her primary caregivers - Ms. Kimijo Anderson, daughter Lori Burchell, and granddaughter Jaden Burchell - after battling cancer and kidney disease for more than a year.

Jean was born on August 30, 1935 in Graceville, Minnesota to Alma (Lunde) and Lyle Baxter. She grew up in rural Wheaton, Minnesota. After graduating high school at the age of 16 in 1951, Jean moved to Minneapolis to attend the Rogers and Benner School of Beauty Culture, and began working as a stylist.

Jean met her future husband, Ray Neisewander Jr. on a chance trip to Davenport, Iowa to visit her brother during the Christmas holidays in 1956. Jean and Ray were married the following year at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Springfield, Illinois on November 30, 1957.

While living in Davenport, Jean and Ray’s three oldest children were born: Debra Marie (1958), Tamara Jean (1959) and Raymond Houston III (1961). Jean and Ray moved their young family to Dixon, Illinois in December, 1961 and before long

added five more children to their growing family: Pamela Sue (1963), Karla Kaye (1964), Todd William (1967), Darcy Anne (1970), and Lori Lynn (1972).

While Ray Jr. managed

August 30, 1935 - December 25, 2022 the fast- growing garage door manufacturing company, Jean managed the busy household and volunteered in many school and community programs including Girl Scouts of America, the St. Anne’s school parish council, the Newman High School advisory board, the KSB Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary, the Junior Achievement board of directors, the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, the Dixon Riverfront development board, and countless fundraising efforts. Remarkably, Jean also found time to take flying lessons and accomplished her solo flight accreditation.

In 1987, Jean relocated to San Diego, California with her two youngest daughters, Darcy and Lori, following her divorce from Ray Jr. After enrolling the girls in the University of San Diego High School she became immediately involved in local community and charity organizations. Her volunteer work there included the Lajolla Women’s’ Club (where she eventually served as president); the Outboard Boating Club of San Diego (where she eventually served as Commodore); the Star of India Auxiliary (where she eventually

served as president); and a lifetime member of the San Diego Maritime Museum. Jean also was a member of the “Gifts of Loving Donors” (GOLD diggers) charity, where she received their inaugural “Heart of Gold” award in 2006.

Her passions included world travel, cooking, baking, competition ballroom dancing, and hosting dinner parties at her home. She was also a superb Bridge player and an avid reader. With her large family, Jean’s favorite pastime was visiting and cooking for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren scattered throughout the USA, as well as hosting and entertaining them at

her “Grandma Vacation Club” home in suburban San Diego.

Jean was predeceased by her parents; her exhusband Ray Neisewander Jr.; her seven siblings; Raymond Baxter, Howard Baxter, Arnold Baxter, Richard Baxter, Kenneth Baxter, Robert Baxter, and twin sister Joan; and her great-granddaughter Milia Marie. Jean was the proud Mother of eight surviving children; Debra Neisewander of Ashland, Oregon; Tammy (Steve) Reuter of Dixon, Illinois; Ray (Cindy) Neisewander III of Dixon, Illinois; Pamela (Tony) Russo of Macomb, Michigan; Karla (Ken) Shioi of Las Vegas, Nevada; Todd Neisewander of Dixon, Illinois; Darcy (Mike) Rothenbuehler of Cape Coral, Florida; and Lori (Jason) Burchell of San Diego, California; 23 surviving grandchildren; and 18 (and counting) great-grandchildren.

It has been said that Jean knew no strangers, to have known her was to have had a friend. Her nature was to love, share, embrace and console. She had an abundance of energy and goodwill, and never tired of helping others. She was a true giver; her happiness was achieved by making others feel welcomed and valued. She had an uncanny memory – her unfair advantage in Bridge – and amazing recall – witnessed by her seemingly endless stream of jokes and stories. She came into this world a poor farmer’s daughter; she left behind a legacy of abundant love, joy and gratitude.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, Old Mission Church, 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego (ph.: 619.283.7319) at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 3, 2023. A memorial luncheon will follow immediately after the service in the California Room located in the lower level of the adjacent St. Francis Chapel. For additional information, please visit dignitymemorial.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests consideration for a donation to the Braille Institute in Jean’s memory (Jean coped with Macular Degeneration for many years, and the Braille Institute was a tremendous resource for her). Donations can be made directly online to www.brailleinstitute. org (see the “Donate” tab) or by check to: Braille Institute San Diego, 9635 Granite Ridge Drive, Suite 130, San Diego, CA 92123.

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