Jeanne K. Loken

INTERMENT ceremony has been set for June 20 at 2PM at Hedemarken Lutheran church cemetery. A fellowship is planned in the church basement immediately following the graveside service. Hans Ronnevick will officiate service. Jeanne passed away at the age of 79 on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in the arms of her husband and family at the Hamptons Cottages in Tyler, Texas. Jeanne was born August 24, 1946, in Fergus Falls, MN, to Ella Skogen and Dean Tomhave (a proud WWII veteran). She grew up as a member of First Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She completed her K-12 education in Fergus Falls, MN, where she was active in choir, band and all of the usual school activities. She was honored as Miss Congeniality in the Fergus Falls Winterfest. It was during this time that she became fondly known as the senior member of the LOVELY Tomhave sisters. Jeanne met her husband, Peter, as sophomores in high school, and they became lifetime partners and best friends. She attended Moorhead State College in Moorhead, MN, where she earned a degree in elementary education. Jeanne and Peter were married during their senior year. Peter was drafted and departed for the Air Force as Jeanne completed her studies. After Peter returned from basic training, they packed up and started their 26-year adventure as an Air Force family. Daughter Kristie was born in a WWII barracks hospital at Williams AFB, Phoenix, AZ, during the July heat with little to no air conditioning. Peter left for Southeast Asia in 1973 when he received orders to Thailand, leaving Jeanne pregnant. Their son Matt, was born in Fergus Falls, MN, near both sets of grandparents. Peter was greeted months later by Jeanne and their two children upon his return. The next challenge was a Winnebago trip to Homestead, FL, to complete training followed by the first of two road trips to Anchorage, AK, with an infant and toddler. Among their many assignments, Jeanne’s favorites were her five years in Ft Walton Beach, FL, and thirteen years in Colorado Springs. The next chapter was her favorite. She started “Jeanne’s Day Care” where only 2 clients met the entrance requirements--her grandson Dylan and granddaughter Makenzie. This made her move to Tyler, TX, the best of all. Jeanne loved attending every event and watching her grandchildren grow and mature into gifted adults. Through all the moves Jeanne was always the constant in a sometime chaotic life, providing much-needed stability for her family. She ensured her children were shielded from the challenges of frequent moves and school changes. She was always first in line to volunteer in the kids’ classrooms and after-school activities. As she gained experience as a military wife, she took on the task of being a mentor and “mother-hen” to all the younger military wives, many facing their first separation from family and civilian life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Ella Tomhave; brothers-in-law Harland Floden and David Swedberg; and sister-in-law Beth Gedde. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Peter; sister Lynn (Jim) Merritt, niece Tara (Nathan) VanSickle; son Matthew; daughter Kristine (Jason) LeRoy; and grandchildren Dylan and Makenzie, along with numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. Honorary Pallbearers: Tara VanSickle, Dylan LeRoy, and Makenzie LeRoy. In lieu of flowers: memorials may be made to: Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County 3531 S. Broadway Ave. Tyler, TX 75701 info@alzalliance.org

Jeanne K. Loken

August 24, 1946 - April 29, 2026