Jean Johannessen

JEAN JOHANNESSEN IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Jean Ardell Harker Johannessen, age 93, passed away on September 4, 2008, at her home in Idaho Falls of causes incident to age. She was under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice. Jean was born March 2, 1915, in Jameston, Idaho, to Alfred Harker and Mary Edna Osguthorpe Harker. She attended Jameston Elementary School and graduated from Shelley High School in 1933. She received her RN degree in 1937 from the nursing program at LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls. She married James J. Johannessen on December 11, 1939, in St. George, Utah. They made their home in Blackfoot, Idaho. Jean worked as school nurse for the Blackfoot School District for 33 years, spending much of her time on the Fort Hall Reservation. After retirement, Jean and Jim moved to Idaho Falls. The last six years of her life were spent as a resident of Fairwinds Sandcreek, where she had many friends who offered kind words and continuous encouragement as her health declined. Jean lived a happy and productive life as a much-loved daughter, wife, aunt, and friend. She will be remembered as a woman of strength who did what had to be done with dignity and purpose. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and an honored member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her parents, Alfred and Edna Harker, five brothers, Alfred, Wayne, Wendell (Pete), Max, and Lowell; a sister, Burdette Beckstrand; nieces, Margene Pace, Betty Harker, and nephew, Don Harker. She is survived by her nieces and nephews and their families, Dale and Verla Harker of Nampa, Ronald and Joyce Harker of Idaho Falls, Tess and Marlyn Nelson of Shelley, Christine and Robert Nelson of Blackfoot, Lowell and Cleo Beckstrand of San Jose, CA, Blaine and Marilyn Beckstrand of Vancouver, WA, Garth and Patsy Harker of Mesa, AZ, Ruth Ann and Richard Harward of Idaho Falls, and Max and Pat Harker of Sandy, UT. A viewing will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2008, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls. Graveside Services will follow at 2 p.m. at the Shelley-Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Hands of Hope Hospice of Idaho Falls or your favorite charity. --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Becky Cole crazycole@cableone.net Lowell and Cleo, I was very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thought and hearts are with you at this sad time. My children and I want to return the support you gave us at our time of sorrow when we needed it so much. Love Becky Cole, widow of Danny Cole and daughter-in-law of Duane. Etta A. Lee I have known Jean since we were in Nurses's training together. Sometimes I would get permission to go to her home to stay overnight. I was glad to see her when I went to Fairwinds to live. You have my great sympathy. I am currently living in Utah with my son and just read of her death in the Post Register. From Etta A Lee - a very long time friend