Jeanne M. Buckley

Jeanne Gillette Buckley, age 95, passed away peacefully of natural causes on September 2, 2021 in Cottage Grove, MN. She was born on December 17, 1925 to Melvin and Minnie Gillette in Rapidan, MN. She attended Mankato High School. In 1948, she married the love of her life, Wendell Buckley. Jeanne and Wendell moved to Hastings, MN in 1964 and led a very active life, spending much of their summers sailing on Lake Pepin and much of their winters downhill skiing at Welch Village. Jeanne had extraordinary artistic skills, which included painting, particularly watercolors, sewing, gourmet cooking, and creating astonishingly beautiful gardens in her backyard. In her spare time, Jeanne was an active volunteer in her community. She assisted Hmong refugees who arrived in Hastings in the early 1980's and was an active member of her church. Jeanne and Wendell also hosted many foreign exchange students throughout the years who became their International children, including Gilles and JB Monquet from France and Anke Karsten from Germany. Jeanne led an amazing life surrounded by many friends, family, and beloved Siamese cats, all named Felix or Samantha. Left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Lorene (Arlo) Meyer, and Helen Baker; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell; parents, Melvin and Minnie Gillette; and her sister, Joanne Larson. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church, 202 W. 8th Street in Hastings. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church. A lunch will follow in the church hall. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.