Mary Jeannine Crahen

Waunakee - Mary Jeannine Crahen, 88, of Waunakee, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on March 22, 2024 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI due to complications from dementia.  Born in Madison, WI she was the daughter of Roman and Mary (Severson) Miller.  Upon graduating from Platteville High School she attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing where she earned her nursing degree.  After completing her degree Jeannine began working at the Mendota Mental Health Institute where she met her future husband, Bob.  During her career in nursing she also worked at the Waunakee Manor, St. Mary’s Hospital, and UW Health.  

Upon her retirement from nursing, Jeannine became an avid quilter.  She was a member of the Waunakee Peacemaker’s Quilting group at St. John’s Church, and she frequently displayed her quilts at local quilting shows.  

Bob and Jeannine were able to travel abroad and they enjoyed many memorable vacations together, including cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers at an occasional bowl game.  Jeannine  was active in the American Legion Auxiliary as well as numerous volunteer activities including driving for the RSVP program and volunteering at St. John’s Church.  Jeannine was also a member of the Red Hat Ladies Club as well as card clubs with her friends.  Jeannine and Bob spent many evenings playing poker with their lifelong friends.  They also had a special place in their heart for dogs and over the years shared their home with Mimi, Mandy, Missy, Tiffany, and Jackie O.  One of Jeannine’s greatest joys was to make homemade treats to share at family holidays and birthdays.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob in 2020, and their daughter Marcy in 1967.  She is survived by her five children:  Joan (Leo) Saarnio of Waunakee, Allen (Chris) Crahen of Waunakee, Sherri (Mike Roeder) of University Heights, OH; Patrick (Cathy) Crahen of Waunakee, and Becky (Rick) Kielley of Sun Prairie; five grandchildren (Elizabeth, Michelle, Jennifer, Catelyn, and Cameron), three great-grandchildren (Chloe, Easton, and Natalia), and two step-grandchildren (Amy and Jason).  She is also survived by her brother Mark Miller (Terry Sizer) of Madison, WI, her sister Rosemary Fernette of Prairie du Chien, WI as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jeannine will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  Her family is grateful for the loving care she received in the Agrace Hospice Memory Care Unit in Fitchburg, WI.  Jeannine agreed to have her brain donated to the UW Brain Organ program to further alzheimer’s research.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Agrace Hospice Care (Agrace.org/Donate) or the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund (https://www.adrc.wisc.edu/give).

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church, 209 South Street in Waunakee.  Friends may call at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will take place at the church cemetery.  

We welcome you to share your memories of Jeannine here on her Tribute Wall. 

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513