Jeanne Strotkamp

 Jeanne Raye (Pierce) Strotkamp passed October 21, 2024. She was born to Marshall and Marie Pierce on March 10, 1955 in Newton, Kansas. Jeanne was a delight to her parents and older siblings Layne and Susie, their “blue-eyed baby girl,” who charmed friends and neighbors with her sweet smile and open heart. 

Jeanne always treasured her memories of childhood in Peabody. She played in the neighborhood with the other children on the block, roaming from yard to yard under the loving care of a close-knit community. 

It was there that she first met her lifelong love, Audie Strotkamp. When they were around age 11, Audie was sitting on a swing outside his aunt’s home when Jeanne walked by. They reconnected as teenagers and fell in love. 

Young Jeanne and Audie often babysat her nephews, Brett and Jeff. Jeanne loved caring for them and looked forward to motherhood. Jeanne and Audie married shortly after her graduation from high school in 1973. Their daughter, Leyla, was born in 1975. Sons Ryan and Blake followed in 1977 and 1978. 

Jeanne’s superlative speed as a typist earned her the unusual opportunity to work from home when her children were young. Her daughter recalls falling asleep many nights to the sounds of Jeanne’s IBM Selectric gently tapping out a staccato rhythm. 

Jeanne was employed by Peabody High School as a secretary for several years, and later as a Paraprofessional at Peabody-Burns elementary. She was much-loved by many of her students and maintained an interest in their well-being after leaving the position. Whenever she saw her students, she was always ready to give them a smile and a hug. 

Jeanne was a sympathetic listener and a loyal friend. She was kind and compassionate and always ready to give someone the benefit of the doubt, or a second chance. Over the course of her life she had many close friends, some of whom she met in elementary school, and whose friendships endure. 

Jeanne adored the Victorian era. This passion surfaced in cultural events she produced and volunteer work focused on Peabody’s historic downtown. 

Jeanne was an avid reader and lover of books and music. She read and felt the written word deeply. She curated a collection of music that was exceeded only by her knowledge of music and musicians. Her children are eternally grateful for these shared loves. 

Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Audie Strotkamp; Daughter, Leyla Strotkamp (Ryan Morris); Son, Ryan Strotkamp; Son, Blake Strotkamp (Summer); Grandchildren Dashiell Strotkamp, Astrid Strotkamp, Beckett Morris, and Finley Morris; Brother, Layne Pierce (Mila Saskova); Sister, Susie Schmidt (Tom); Sister, Joyce Pierce Tyner; Sister-in-Law, Patricia Wedel (Dwight); and Sister-in-Law, Cathy Strotkamp. Predeceased include her parents, Marshall and Marie Pierce; Brother-in-Law, Charles Strotkamp; and Nephew, Ethan Schmidt.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday November 2, 2024 at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel in Newton with Pastor James N. Parrish presiding. Private family interment will be in the Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Peabody, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to Victory in the Valley and left with Petersen Funeral home.