Jeannine M. Friend, age 83, a resident of Carol Stream, Illinois, formerly of Leavenworth, Kansas, died June 14, 2019, at Belmont Village Senior Living in Carol Stream, Illinois. She was born July 9, 1935 in Pauline, Nebraska to Lloyd and Frances Brown.

Jeannine grew up in the farmlands of Nebraska with her brother and sister. She was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. Shortly after graduating she married her High School sweetheart, Steve Friend, and worked while he finished college. Steve joined the Army and Jeannine's life as a career military wife began.   Together they lived in Germany, Korea and all over the United States. She raised three children and was actively involved in their school activities.   Jeannine had many passions but some of her greatest interests were the arts like painting and playing the organ as well as doll making and collecting.  In retirement she continued to enjoy World travel and doting on her granddaughters Alexi and Claire.   In later years she lived at Belmont Village where she continued her activities and quickly became known for her quick smile and easygoing spirit.

She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne (Philip) Comella of Glen Ellyn, her sons Steve (Leah) Friend, of Platte City, Missouri, and James (Christine) Friend, of Houston, Texas. Also survived by her granddaughters Alexi Comella, Claire Friend; her step-grandchildren Jordan Hofbauer, and James & Joseph Niederlander and her brother, Dave (Marilyn) Brown.

Jeannine was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Stephen, her sister Kathleen Brown and her parents.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon at Hultgren Funeral Home , 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, Illinois. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 Noon at the funeral home. An open house will be held at Suzanne & Phil Comella's home immediately following the service until 2:30 p.m. Burial will take place at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at 12:30 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter , 8430 W Bryn Mawr Ave., #800, Chicago, IL 60631.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.