Jeanne M. Hesselberg

Jeanne Hesselberg (Schaitel, Weaver) 72, of Sparta, died Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at her home. She was born in Sparta, WI on July 17, 1952 to Mildred (Leonhardt) and Hugh (Bud) Hesselberg. She grew up south of Rockland in Fish Creek. She attended school at the Fish Creek schoolhouse. It was her third-grade year that she transitioned to St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Bangor, WI, then went on to Luther High School in Onalaska, WI and graduated in 1970. After school she was employed by The Ben Franklin Store in Sparta. While working there she met Leonard Schaitel and they married in July of 1972. She and Leonard owned Leon Supply Co. and also sold Montana Log Homes. They built a log home on a farm outside of Leon.

In January of 1975, Jeanne was thrilled to become a Mom when Matthew was born, in 1977 came Jacob and 1980 Kristin. While the kids were little Jeanne started college classes at UW La Crosse for accounting , income tax preparation and photography. She found her passion and started her own photo studio, Jeanne’s Photography. Jeanne also obtained her master’s degree in Psychology in 1992 from Viterbo College.

Leaonard and Jeanne divorced in 1985. Jeanne married John Weaver in 1990 and they resided in Sparta until 1994 when they purchased a farmette on Hwy 16. There they rescued retired race horses. This was a favorite spot for her grandkids. Jeanne had other jobs while operating her photo studio. She worked at US Cellular in La Crosse, Midwest Products in Holmen, Part time for Sullivan’ s Supper Club. In 1998 they built a new home. In 2005 John and Jeanne divorced.

Jeanne had employment at Fire Protection Specialists in Bangor. While employed there she attended Viterbo for a post baccalaureate degree in teaching business. She also worked as a buyer for Nelson Global Products in Black River Falls. Becoming disillusioned with the corporate bureaucracy, she started a family daycare in 2016 and named it The Blue Giraffe. She took a lot of pride in her results at daycare. The kids loved her.

Jeanne doted on her children and grandchildren. Her favorite sport was any sport they played. She also coached rag ball for her children and grandchildren. Her favorite team was a tossup between the Brewers and the Spartans.

Jeanne always expressed to others that nothing is impossible with God. She was also a remarkable artist, who created magic and wonder in every corner of life.

She was proud of her many relatives and friends. Her dad’s family raised 16 children, her mom’s family 8 children. Jeanne wanted to say a special thank-you to her children, Matthew and Kristin along with her dear friends and family for all the special care, support and attention. They are amazing blessings.

Loved ones who preceded her in death are her parents, brother David Hesselberg, many aunts and uncles.

Jeanne is survived by her children, Matthew Schaitel (Angela), Kristin Schaitel (Jeremy), Jacob Schaitel (Debbie); grandchildren, Tessa-Ann Schaitel, Corey Schaitel (Lindsay), Jacob Schaitel (Shyan), Dakota Schaitel (Alyssa), Jesse Schaitel, Kody Schaitel, Gerret Szaflarski, Maya Lee (Nathan) and great grandson, Jordon Schoulars.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M, Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at New Life Assembly of God Church in Sparta, with Reverend Randy Williamson officiating. A luncheon will follow the services at the church. Burial will be in Rockland Cemetery.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, from 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeanne M. Hesselberg, please visit our floral store.