Larry and Jeanette spent many wonderful years raising their family in Fairview Heights, IL, and later moved to the Orchards in Belleville, IL, to enjoy their retirement.
Nurse Wuest was a registered nurse for 45 years, and retired from Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, IL. Jeanette was a graduate of the Academy of Notre Dame in Belleville, IL. She attended St. John’s Nursing School in Springfield, IL, and received her postgraduate degrees from St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO.
Jeanette enjoyed her retirement years as an active member for many organizations. She was very active at Saint Peters Cathedral Parish, serving as Trustee and Eucharistic Minister. She was involved in Cosgrove’s Kitchen, Fossil, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and Catholic Urban Programs. She was dedicated to helping the homeless, hungry, sick, poor, lonely, incarcerated and mentally ill. Equitable treatment for all, support of human rights and social justice were her life’s work.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Wuest; her parents, Frank and Ann, nee Mizell, Schmid; and brother-in-law, Don Deitz, all from Belleville, IL.
Nurse Wuest is survived by a son, John Wuest of Belleville, IL; three daughters, Lucy, nee Wuest, Ruegsegger and son-in-law, Robert, of Chicago, IL; Laura, nee Wuest, Bennett and son-in-law, Craig, of Dallas Ft. Worth, TX; and Maria, nee Wuest, LaBrier of Quincy, IL; and proud grandmother to Matthew Lawrence, Jennifer Jeanette Lynn, Kathryn Grace, and Anna Michelle Ruegsegger; Amber Marie, nee Bennett, Davis, Austin Wesley, Alexander Thomas, and William Lawrence Bennett; and Jack Andrew LaBrier. Also surviving are her sisters, Shirley Deitz and Pamela (John) Kramer; and her brothers, Richard (Renee) Schmid and Kingston Schmid. She leaves behind numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dearest lifelong friends.
Memorials may be made in Jeanette’s name to CUP (Catholic Urban Programs), P.O. Box 3310, East St. Louis, IL 62203, to Notre Dame Academy (formerly Cathedral grade school), 200 West Harrison St., Belleville, IL 62220, or to KCSO (Kendall County Special Olympics) Friends and Family, 2420 Rock Creek Road, Plano, IL 60545 (www.kcsofamilyandfriends.org). Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful family, friends, and neighbors for their kindness and generosity. Special thanks to those who helped with transportation, treatment, and care.
Visitation: Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 24, 2016, and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 10:40 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016, from the funeral home for an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016, at St. Peter’s Cathedral Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. John Myler officiating. A private burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery in Belleville, IL, at a later date.
Condolences Left For Jeanette Wuest
Maria and Family.
My heart breaks for you and your family. Please know I am thinking of you and praying for you to find the courage and peace in this time of great sadness and loss. My thoughts are with you.
Amy Bruney, Quincy, IL, 62305
Dear Wuest family, My heart and prayers are for you all. Jeanette was a favorite cousin; loving, humorous, and devoted to her Lord. God bless with Peace and comfort. Carol Jeanne
Carol Jeanne Turner, Independence, Missouri, 64052
My sympathy to the family. Jeanette and I were in Nursing school together. We always had so much fun with her. Will remember you all in my prayers.
Dorothy Normamd, NorthPort , Florida, 34286
Maria and Family,
We cannot even begin to understand what you are going through right now, but we would like to offer our prayers and condolences to you and your family. We are here for you, so please do not hesitate to reach out, especially during this difficult time.
Tim and Julie Bonansinga, Quincy, IL, 62301
I would like to express my sympathy to the Wuest family, I worked at STE for many years and have wonderful memories of Nurse Wuest. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
June Benedick, Belleville, Illinois, 62220
All my love and prayers to your family. I worked as an RN at Elizabeths Hospital with Nurse Wuest for many years. I adored and respected her so much. She was always a joy to be around. I have been retired for several years and she is the One who will always leave an indelible mark in my heart and soul. I know she must have been the best mom ever. My heart breaks for you. Nurse (Susan) Doyle
Susan M. Doyle, Columbia, Illinois, 62236
Nurse Wuest was my clinical instructor when I took the nursing assistant course at BAC. She was a great teacher and a wonderful person. Then I came to work at St. Elizabeth’s and was privileged to know her for many years. She was an asset to this world and a woman I will always remember. I am truly sorry for your loss Wuest family. You were all so lucky to have her.
Nancy, Belleville, IL, 62220
Dear Children,
You all have my sympathy on the loss of your mom. I worked with Nurse Wuest for many years at STE. I have many fond, and some crazy memories of her. I was also in a Bible class with her in the past, and was amazed at her knowedge of our faith. I know you all will miss her.
Shirlene Kassing, Freeburg, Illinois, 62243
Maria,
Extending my heartfelt and deepest sympathy to you, your son Jack and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful person and I’m so happy to have met her when she visited with you. Please let me know if I can help in anyway. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless!
Rosa, , ,
Dear Wuest Family – My thoughts & prayers are with you during this time of unimaginable loss.
Jeanette (Schmiddy)was my rock, my sounding board, my confidante during the past 70+ years. We met when we were 6 years old & remained friends &
kept in touch throughout our lives even though we lived 300 miles apart. She will remain alive in our memories as we relive the crazy, funny, happy adventures we shared.
Pat Zmolek
Pat Zmolek, Morton Grove, IL, 60053
I was saddened to hear about the passing of my dear associate , Nurse Wuest. She worked as Nursing Supervisor often when I worked in Radiology on the night shift at St Elizabeth’s Hospital. She seemed to appear as if by magic at any situation that needed extra hands.& I learned by her wise & funny example about caring for the sick. Bless her family and friends.
Peggy Smith Brem, Bakersfield, California, 93309
Maria,
Extending my heartfelt and deepest sympathy to you, your son Jack and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful person and I’m so happy to have met her when she visited with you. Please let me know if I can help in anyway. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless!
Rosa, , ,
Sincere sympathy to the Wuest family.
Jeanette was such a significant part of
The Nursing family @ St. Elizabeth’s.
I remember so many calls beginning
with “Nurse Wuest”–Always pleasant.
Betty Massey, Belleville, IL, 62221