Jeanne B. (Benson) Van Nest

Jeanne B. Van Nest, age 88, of St. Charles, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Delnor Hospital in Geneva.

She was born November 10, 1932 in Maywood, the daughter of Harold and Margaret (Hume) Benson.

Jeanne grew up in Maywood and graduated from Proviso East High School.  She then went on to graduate from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. She was a homemaker for many years raising their five children in Lombard, Naperville and Geneva.  When she decided to work outside the home, she took an office position at the Geneva Republican Newspaper.  Once the Republican closed their doors, she went on to be the Office Manager at the Geneva Park District for 15 years.  A highlight of that job was being able to see many familiar faces from the community.  She was a member of the Congregational Church of Naperville and a long-time member of the United Methodist Church of Geneva.  Volunteering with the youth groups and in the office.  She also volunteered at Delnor Hospital greeting people at the door, directing them to where they need to be, delivering mail and whatever else they needed her to do. Throughout their married years, Jeanne loved the monthly bridge club gatherings they had with dear friends.  In their retirement, Bob and Jeanne began to travel, spending the winter months in Florida, Arizona and Alabama.  She loved every aspect of being a grandma.  Vacationing, attending activities and sporting events and babysitting.  They were all the joys of her life.  She was a constant organizer and planner for her family and will be greatly missed by everyone.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years Robert (Bob); children David(Joan) of Port Byron, Il., Stephen of McAllen, Texas, Sharon (Rick) Ofeldt of Bridgewater, New Jersey, Leslie (Mike) Martens of Geneva, and Marcia (Harry) Smith of Geneva; grandchildren Erik (Heather) Van Nest, Lindsay (Dan) Griffin, Michael Ofeldt, Kristin (Zach) Ripley, Jeff (Stefanie) Martens, Beth Martens, Brad Martens, Charlie and Jack Smith, Brad Wingert, and Jeff (Iulia) Wingert; great grandchildren Jayden Purdis, Novalee Wingert, Travis and Taylor Wingert, and Madison Potkanowicz; and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 19, 2021 from 1:00 pm until the time of her memorial service at 3:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva with Rev. Richard Darr officiating.

Due to the current health care restrictions, standards of occupancy will be upheld. To attend, please be prepared to wear a mask and/or wait if occupancy standards need to be met. We kindly ask that you immediately exit the funeral home after paying your respects to the family so that others may have the same opportunity.

Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton Street, Geneva, Illinois 60134 would be appreciated.

For information 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.

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