Jeanette Margaret Fechner, age 95, formerly of Merrill, WI and Avon Park, FL passed away July 28, 2023 at Riverwood Senior Living in Wisconsin Dells, WI with family at her side. Jeanette was born April 3, 1928 in Merrill, daughter of Harry E. and Esther D. (Buhler) Nelson. Jeanette grew up in the Merrill area and graduated from Merrill High School in 1946. She married Elmer J. (Jim) Fechner on September 10, 1949 in Merrill and they lived in Ohio and West Virginia for a couple of years while Jim served in the Air Force before returning to Merrill in 1951. Jeanette worked a variety of clerical office jobs, most notably with Public Service in the Merrill area while raising her family. She and Jim enjoyed camping with a group of friends in northern Wisconsin and took family camping trips to the western U.S. They realized their dream of retiring to Florida and moved to Avon Park, Florida as “snow birds” and continued to travel back and forth for almost 20 years. Jeanette enjoyed her family, playing cards, shuffleboard, swimming and the warmth and sunshine of Florida.
Preceding Jeanette in death were her husband, “Jim” Fechner; her parents, Harry and Esther Nelson; brothers-in-law William Fechner, John Fechner and John Ochodnicky; and sister-in-law Miyako Fechner. She is survived by three daughters; Terri (Chris) Hanson of Merrimac, WI; Mary (Glenn) Raddatz of White Bear Lake, MN; and Cindy (Steve) Sabatke of Merrill; seven grandchildren; Nick (Amy) Hanson, Alex (Rachel) Hanson, Sarah (Aaron) Gertz, Laura (Carlos) Hidalgo, Pennie (Mike) Sladky, Paige Sabatke and Rachel (Martin) Schaub; and thirteen great grandchildren; Siena Hanson, Madison Hanson, Jordan Hanson, Nolan Hanson, Adrian Gertz, Nathan Gertz, Damian Hidalgo, Dylan Hidalgo, Colten Sladky, Eliana Sladky, Gavin Sladky, Lena Sladkyand Lawson Sladky. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Marge Rankin and Janet Fechner.
Interment will be at a later date at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery next to her husband “Jim”. The John Buettgen Funeral Home in Schofield, WI (www.honorone.com) is assisting the family and online condolences and tributes can be put on their website. Written condolences, cards and messages can be sent to Terri Hanson at S8123B Kassner Rd, Merrimac, WI 53561. The family would like to thank all of the staff at Riverwood Senior Living in Wisconsin Dells, Haven Hills Assisted Living in Lodi, ProMedica Hospice and Inclusa Managed Care for their support to Jeanette and her family over the last several years. Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS