Jean Balsano

Jean M. Balsano, age 77, lost her fight to Ovarian cancer surrounded by loved ones at her home on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Jean was a courageous, strong, beautiful wife, mother and grandmother. Jean was born December 19, 1941 in Omaha, Nebraska, to Martin H. and Mildred (Podrouzek) Jurgens. She graduated from Central High School in 1960. She was employed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for twenty- seven years as a Project Associate. She was a member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Missouri Valley, Iowa. She enjoyed ceramics, quilting, gardening, feeding birds, cooking and loved her family.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Mildred Jurgens, sister Dorothy Taggart.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph Balsano of Missouri Valley Iowa, children, Wayne Taggart of Grayson, Georgia; Jennifer Sogbadji and husband, Komlan of Omaha, Nebraska; Marijo Lange and husband Lee, of Missouri Valley, Iowa; grandchildren, Jacob Balsano ,Kiana, Malia, Gabriella Sogbadji; Connor, Cole, and Brooklyn Lange, and her loving dog, Boots; siblings, Herb Jurgens of California, Mary Lou and Jeff Uldricks of California, Steve and Anna Marie Jurgens of California, Martha (Moss) and Wes Vogel of Omaha, Nebraska, and many loving friends and family. Special daughter, Leslie Collins of Missouri Valley, Iowa.

Rosary will be 6:00 p.m. Monday with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Missouri Valley, Iowa. The family would like to invite everyone to a time of lunch and fellowship at the church immediately following the Mass.

Memorials can be sent to Hennessey Funeral Home 310 East Huron Street, Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555.

In Loving Memory Of Jean M. Balsano

Born December 19, 1941 Omaha, Nebraska Entered Into Rest April 17, 2019 Missouri Valley, Iowa Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2019 St. Patrick’s Catholic Church – Missouri Valley, Iowa

Celebrant Father Raphael Masabakhwa Organist Lyle Waterhouse Vocalist Rebecca Noameshie

Vocal Selections “On Eagles Wings” “Amazing Grace” “Be Not Afraid” Here I Am Lord” Music Selection

“A Thousand Stars in The Sky” “Tragedy” “The End”

Honorary Bearers

Kelly Vogel Pat Oehler Marge Rath Dr. Kristie Hayes Mary Slowik Brooklyn Lange Grandmama Sogbadji Phillis Anderson Kiana, Malia, Gabriella Sogbadji Casket Bearers Bill Fox Connor Lange Cole Lange Mike Oehler Denny Balsano Jacob Balsano

Final Resting Place 2:30 p.m. Calvary Cemetery – Omaha, Nebraska

In Loving Memory Of Jean M. Balsano

To go along the Silent Way, grieve not, Nor speak of me with tears, but Laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you, for who knows but that I shall be often time? I’d come, I’d, come, could I but find a way! But would not tears and grief be barriers? And when you hear a song I used to sing or see a bird I love – Let not the thought of me be sad, for I am loving you just as I always have…You were so good to me.. So many things I wanted still to do…so many, many things to say to you…Remember that I did not fear…It was just leaving you I could not bear to face. We cannot see beyond,,,but this I know; I loved you so….it was heaven here with you.

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