Jean (Jessen) Henninger

Jean Henninger, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2024. at the age of 83. Born Elda Jean Jessen on July 26, 1940, in Idaho Falls, she was the beloved daughter of Herman and Nihla Jessen.

Jean spent her formative years in Swan Valley, Idaho, on Pine Creek Bench. Her childhood was marked by the loving presence of her parents until her father's passing in 1952. Nihla later remarried Lewis Pangman, and the family relocated to Bountiful, Utah. It was there that Jean graduated from Bountiful High School in 1958.

With an adventurous spirit, Jean embarked on a journey that took her from Yellowstone to Southern California, where she found employment in the hotel and food service industries. Along the way, she forged lasting friendships and cherished memories. In 1963, Jean married John Niesing in Southern California, and they were blessed with two children, Teresa and Tim. Although their paths diverged, Jean's nurturing spirit endured. In 1971, she married Mark T. Henninger, with whom she welcomed two more children, Derek and Debra. Despite the challenges, Jean approached life with resilience and grace.

Her career in real estate and property management spanned over 50 years in Idaho Falls, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Jean owned a successful real estate business and was associated with esteemed firms such as Wackerli Realty, American Heritage Real Estate, and Century 21 High Desert Realtors. She was a trailblazer, serving as President of the Woman's Council of Realtors and earning numerous accolades throughout her career.

Jean's legacy extends far beyond her professional achievements. She was a local fixture in Idaho Falls and East Idaho and was always the first one to volunteer her time, talents, and money to help anyone or any organization along with being a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, whose warmth and compassion touched countless lives. Jean cherished spending time with her family and friends, creating lasting memories and building strong bonds. One of her greatest joys was found on the golf course, where she could often be found pursuing her passion for the game. Her love for golf was surpassed only by her love for those she shared the fairways with.

Jean is survived by her siblings, Gayland (Vickie)Jessen, Robert Jessen, Edwin (Marilyn) Pangman, and Joyce (Craig) Leishman; her children, Teresa Edwards (Michael), Tim Niesing, Derek Henninger, and Debra (Zach) Hodges; along with 11 grandchildren: Jadine, Burgendy, Sierra, Mateo, Spencer, Braxton (Bailee), Daegan, Camryn (Mady), Shayna, Piper, and Shiloh. She is also survived by her seven great-grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves behind a host of relatives and friends who will cherish her memory

A celebration of Jean's life will be held at the Idaho Falls Elk's Lodge at 640 East Elva Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho on May 31st from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. An urn burial will be held prior to the celebration at 1:30 p.m. at Fielding Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to https://gofund.me/9cd000e5.