Jeanne was born in Tacoma, Washington and from there wandered far afield, around the world many times. She married her college sweetheart Rex Blumhagen and both became medical doctors during WWII. In 1960 they bundled up their four children and set off to be Foreign Service doctors in Kabul, Afghanistan. In 1962 they drove from Germany to California (the car went on a ship) and in 1964 from Kabul to California. Returning to Kabul they set up a hospital and far flung medical clinics in the central highlands. It is well known what happened to that country since but she continued to return to work with the women of the country despite the wars.
She taught at the University of Illinois, was a board member of Wheaton College in Illinois, began one of the first urgent care centers in our country. She continued to travel the world teaching women maternal and child health.
She slipped away quietly at age 101 in her daughter’s house, continuously reminding us that though her body was failing her mind was still just fine, thank you very much! One week before she died she was heard explaining the book of Job to her caregiver.
She is survived by her children Dan and Michelle Blumhagen, Susan and Larry Fullerton, Wendy Tyler, Karen Blumhagen, 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held in the Commons at College Church in Wheaton on October 12, 2024 at 11:00 am.CST. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to Wheaton College.
