Jean Kember, 88, of Lombard, formerly of Serena, lost her nine-month battle with colon cancer on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Beacon Hill in Lombard, IL.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 16, 2024 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. Sherry Stevenson, officiating. Burial will follow at West Serena Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the funeral home.
Jean was born on March 25, 1936 in Sandwich, IL to Charles and Shirley (Brandenburg) Kember. A self-described “Farm Girl,” she grew up in a big white farm house in the country. She went from being the only third grade girl in a one room school house, to marrying her high school sweetheart, to running a major computer department in Northbrook, IL. She did all this while being a great mom, and handling every little thing her children needed.
Family meant everything to her, and she absolutely adored being “Grandma Jean.” Grandma’s house was always a place filled with love, laughter, hugs, swimming, great food, pancakes, chocolate chip cookies, and endless talks around the table.
She is survived by her two children, Steven (Heidi) Hougsted of Wheaton and Lisa (Craig) Hart of Punta Gorda, FL; four grandchildren, Kristina (Eric Malak) Hougsted, Jessica (Mike Londos) Hougsted, Dillon Hart and Jacob Hart; and a great-granddaughter, Penelope Malak.
She is also survived by her two step-children: Kate (Keith) Dart and Yvonne DeVinney; two step-grandchildren, Candice and Ryan DeVinney; three step-great grandchildren, David Sandusky, Claire Sandusky, and Danny Nelson; along with her former husband, Wesley Hougsted; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Shirley Kember; her two brothers, Jerry and Bob Kember, former husbands, Gene Nelson and Walter Metz; and step-son David Nelson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or West Serena Cemetery.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433