Jeanette B. Kammerer

Jeanette B. Kammerer, 80 of Sioux City, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at an Omaha hospital after a lengthy battle with dementia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Mater Dei Parish, Church of the Nativity of Jesus Christ with Father Brad Pelzel as Celebrant. A reception will immediately follow Mass at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel with burial afterwards at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.meyerbroschapels.com  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be offered to the Alzheimer's Association.

Jeanette Lemek was born to Bernice and Ted Lemek on September 11, 1943 while Ted was serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He only saw his baby girl in pictures until she was nearly two years old. She was big sister to Bonnie and Buddy and grew up surrounded by her extended family of cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Jeanette attended Heelan High School, where she met the love of her life, Steve Kammerer, at a sock hop. She began working for Northwestern Bell as a directory assistance operator after graduating from high school in 1961. A year later, she married Steve and they began their family, welcoming both Jeff and Dan within their first two years together. Amy followed in 1968. For years Jeanette impressed family and friends as a walking phonebook, remembering countless phone numbers from her nearly thirty years working for the phone company. As an early working mother, she was resourceful and unwavering. She managed the house, coached t-ball, and made every holiday special. Her enthusiasm for trying new recipes led to some interesting moments, including the Waikiki Meatballs and No-Fail Fudge that had to be eaten with a spoon.

Jeanette loved sports and was active for much of her life. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, walking and biking. She was a fan of Cubs baseball and Hawkeye football. Anytime she caught Hawkeyes playing any sport on television, she was cheering them on. She was an avid card player as well. She and Steve helped organize an informal card club for many friends that lasted for several decades. Jeanette was dedicated to her community, donating five gallons of blood over her lifetime. She was a hospice volunteer, a dedicated parishioner of Nativity Catholic Church and a member of PEO.

Jeanette was a steadfast friend, devoted daughter, and supportive mother, but when she became a grandmother, she discovered a whole new kind of joy. Her grandkids called her Muti and loved riding in her little white convertible. The license plate said it all: NJOY. She did. Each of the kids cherished their “self-trips” to spend a few days with Muti and Pa all by themselves every summer. She loved the holidays and hosted some of the best holiday vacations on record …magically decorated house inside and out, containers of delicious just-baked cookies, and the vat of endless homemade Chex mix. She loved traveling to Atlanta to care for her youngest grandkids when their parents were out of town or to celebrate a birthday or special event.

Her last few years were marred by dementia, but her fighting spirit was there to the end. Jeanette’s singular passion for life will be missed by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her brother, Buddy and her parents, Ted and Bernice Lemek. She is survived by her loving husband, Steve; son, Jeff (Maria) Kammerer and Chris and Gigi; son, Dan (Lisa) Kammerer and Ben (Logan), Natalie (Drew), and Eva (Will); Amy (Mike) Stogdill and Jake (Maddie) and Katie; sister, Bonnie (Ken) Heilskov; and many nieces and nephews.

Live Stream of the Service:  https://youtube.com/live/GGjwMbmfPZU?feature=share