Jean Krebs
Jean Krebs, 96, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Victorian Place of Sullivan.
Jean H. Krebs was born on February 9, 1928, in College Mound, Missouri, to Joseph and Alpha Mae (Atterbury) Harlan. Jean's life was marked by her dedication to her family, her passion for nursing, and her love for travel.
Jean grew up in the Grand Center, Missouri, community and graduated from Huntsville High School in 1945. Her thirst for knowledge and desire to help others led her to attend the University of Missouri, where she studied from 1945 to 1947. Jean graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Washington University, Barnes Jewish School of Nursing in 1950 where she served as the grand marshal for her graduating nursing class.
Jean was united in marriage to William Krebs on June 16, 1951 and they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Kathryn and Carol. They continued raising their young family in Colorado while she worked at Colorado General Hospital and the Colorado VA hospital. In 1955 they moved to Sullivan, Missouri and then later divorced. For 35 years, she served as Dr. Riffel's "right hand" nurse at Bourbon Clinic Medical office. Jean not only had the reputation as the area's "go-to" for medical advice but she always took the time to listen to her patients' joys and sorrows. Even after retiring, Jean continued to serve her community as a hospice volunteer, offering comfort and care to those in their final stages of life.
In retirement, Jean embraced the world with open arms, traveling "ALL around the world twice" with friends. Her adventures took her to over 100 different countries and all 7 continents. Jean would often say, "Give me 30 minutes to pack, and I will be ready to travel anywhere in the world."
The Victorian Place of Sullivan was Jean's home for the last 12 years of her life, where she was blessed to be surrounded by compassionate and kind staff and residents who became like family. She rarely missed her daily routine including two miles of exercise every morning and again every evening. Jean also found joy in her local Bridge Club, watching Cardinal games and keeping her mind sharp with Sudoku puzzles. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Sullivan where she attended bible studies and served as Treasurer.
Jean loved her daughters and was immensely proud of her three grandsons, Wesley, David, and Preston. As a grandmother, she was fun-loving and adventurous, never allowing age to slow her down. Jean's favorite memories included ski trips with her children and grandchildren, building snow forts in MN, sledding, riding go-carts downhill, and even taking 4-wheeler rides with her great-grandchildren well into her 90s.
Jean is survived by her three loving grandsons: Wesley (Kate) Dahl and their children Brent, Jake and Lainey, David (Alyona) Dahl and their children Chloe and Taylor, Preston Dahl and his daughter Kathryn Dahl; a son in law, Barry Dahl; a special nephew, Dan Harlan; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her two beloved daughters, Kathryn Dahl and Carol Krebs; her parents, Joseph and Alpha Mae Harlan; and her three siblings, Ermon “Bud” Harlan, Benny Harlan, and Mary Foudree.
Jean’s family is profoundly grateful for the lifetime of friendship, love and support provided by the Shaffer family, who were an integral part of Jean's life.
A Remembrance Memorial service will be, 11 AM, Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Anchor Presbyterian Church of Sullivan with Pastor Kathi Kraus officiating.
Visitation will be 9 – 11 AM, Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Anchor Presbyterian Church, prior to the funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Anchor Presbyterian Church.
Friends may send their online condolences to Jean’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.