A memorial service for Jeanette V. Alker will be held at 10:30am on Friday, April 7th, 2017 in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN with Father Tom Loomis officiating. Visitation will be at the same location one hour prior to the service at 9:30am.

Jeanette, 83, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2017 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester surrounded by her family. She was born in Albany, MN on May 23, 1933 to John Thelen and Barbara Duclos Thelen.

She attended Albany High School and St. Gabriel's School of Nursing in Little Falls, MN where she obtained her diploma in Nursing. Jeanette married James A. Alker in September 15, 1954 and moved to Rochester where she and Jim raised their family and she worked as Registered Nurse (RN). After Jeanette retired, she enjoyed volunteering at Methodist Hospital, teaching community education classes for adults with exceptional abilities, and providing respite care for the elderly. Jeanette was at her best and happiest when caring for others (once a nurse; always a nurse). Jeanette loved her family and was always very involved with her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's activities. She especially enjoyed travel, sports, attending Rochester Chorale and Orchestra concerts, and was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan. She had many special friends and enjoyed their company, lunches, and evenings out.

Jeanette is survived by five children, Jill Frye of Park City, UT, John (Lynn) Alker of Raleigh, NC, Jean Alker of Rochester, Jeff (Kellie) Alker of Decatur, TX, Julie Speer of Kasson; two sisters, Barb Tupper of Rochester, and Sue Schiffler of Woodbury, MN; and brother, John Thelen Jr. of Sioux Falls, SD. In addition, Jeanette is survived by ten grandchildren, Bobby, Matt, Ben, Mike, Jess, Katie, Jordan, Jansen, Kayla, and Cory; and three great-grandchildren, Austin, Cameron, and Karlee. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim Sr.; oldest son, Jim Jr.; sisters, Lorraine Thelen, and Mary Alice Beuning; and brothers, Dick, David, and Jim Thelen.

She has donated her body to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Her burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to community-based services or agencies of your choice that provide care for those with special needs, disabilities, or to fund Alzheimer's Disease (AD) research and education.