Jeanette Sorensen

With a journey that spanned times of war and peace, plenty and want, Jeanette Sorensen truly kept her focus on what mattered most through it all: family, friends, and faith. She was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and as a warm and radiant presence in her community and her church, her arms were always open to anyone and everyone. Nothing brought Jeanette greater joy than surrounding herself with those she loved so dearly. Her kind, gentle heart allowed her to impact the lives of countless others for the better. Already deeply missed, Jeanette will be forever loved and treasured by all those blessed to know her.

The early 1940s are remembered as some of the most difficult years in history as WWII raged on. But there was also great optimism with the thoughts of a better future as the war tide was turning. In small communities, neighbors had a strong sense of community. There was a greater ray of light in the lives of Edward and Betty (Erickson) Steelandt, a young couple in Moline, Illinois, as they happily announced the arrival of their first child. Born on January 25 of 1943, Jeanette soon became an older sister to her two younger brothers, Steve and Dan.

Growing up, Jeanette enjoyed a childhood typical of her generation, filled with memories she would look back on with fondness in her later years. She shared a tight bond with both her mother and grandmother, and she would remember sitting on a swing at her grandmother’s house and listening to the mourning doves. From a young age, Jeanette possessed a deep love for nature and animal life. She loved playing outdoors. As the oldest siblings, Jeanette often babysat for her little brothers. She attended local schools and excelled as a student, eventually graduating from Moline High School in Illinois.

Jeanette went on to pursue further education at Augustana College, close to home in Moline. She had been working as a candystriper in a hospital and considered studying nursing, but she eventually decided to become a speech pathologist. It was while attending college that Jeanette met Charles Sorensen. The couple were married in 1963, then moved to Fort Wayne so that Charles could attend grad school.

Jeanette and Charles soon welcomed their first daughter, Elizabeth, into their hearts and home. The growing family moved again and settled down in Jenison, Michigan, where Jeanette would call home for the rest of her life. Her family was completed with the arrival of their second daughter, Jennifer. Though Jeanette’s marriage to Charles eventually came to an end, she would always be grateful for her girls.

Jeanette’s greatest treasure in life was certainly her family. She was an amazing mother, and she always made sure her daughters knew just how much they were loved. When Beth and Jennifer were young, Jeanette would take them polka dancing at Ramona’s Terrace on Sundays. She and the girls loved traveling the world together, and they visited many beautiful locations over the years, including Mackinac Island, Jamaica, Mexico, and Paris. They also made many trips to visit Jeanette’s family in Moline. A favorite family activity was playing all kinds of card games together.

Jeanette was fortunate to find her professional calling early in life. She went on to build a successful career for herself as a speech pathologist in the Cedar Springs school district. Throughout her 35 years of work, Jeanette poured her heart and soul into the kids. Her work was so precious to her that she didn’t mind the commute. Even after she retired, Jeanette spent a few more years working in Kelloggsville schools.

Devoted to her loved ones above all else, there was nothing Jeanette wouldn’t do to care for others. She was her mother’s primary caregiver for several years. Later in life, Jeanette was thrilled to become a grandmother and a great-grandmother. She adored her grandkids and doted on them endlessly. Jeanette took amazing care of her pets over the years as well, even feeding the wildlife that came to visit her backyard. She always had lifelong friends to keep her company. Many hours were spent with friends at BiMar in Grand Haven, watching the lake. Jeanette was also part of a book club and an autobahn club for a time. She was an active member of her longtime church, Trinity Lutheran. Jeanette was involved in the Stephen ministry, the singles’ lunch group, and various Bible studies. She assisted with the grief group as well.

Jeanette had many hobbies to keep her busy in her free time. She enjoyed photography and berry picking. Jeanette’s love for nature was lifelong, and she could sit and take in the beauty of the great outdoors for hours at a time. Music was so special to her. Jeanette liked looking good and always made sure she was put together with her curled hair, red lipstick, and just the right jewelry. She was known for her wonderful hugs, listening ear, and genuine spirit.

When reflecting on the life and legacy of Jeanette Sorensen, it is easy to see both her unwavering faith and her unconditional love for her family. A shining example of compassion and selflessness, she was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and she took every chance to hold her loved ones close. Life will never be the same without Jeanette here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her friends and family will forever keep near and dear to their hearts.

Jeanette Marie Sorensen, age 82 of Jenison, passed away January 10, 2026. Jeanette was an excellent example of kindness and caring. Her greatest gifts were her family and friends, but she also found her vocational calling as a Speech Pathologist, working for over 35 years in Cedar Springs Schools as well as a few “retirement years” at Kelloggsville. She was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her daughters Beth (Joe) Heyboer and Jennifer (Dan) Strockis; grandchildren: Cameron (Kali) Jones, Lauren (Corey) Broschak, Cody (Charlie Jordan) Heyboer, Alyssa and Ty Strockis; several great-grandchildren; brothers: Steve (Myrna) Steelandt and Dan (Patsy) Steelandt; as well as nieces and nephews.

In her last months, she was blessed with the wonderful care, support and love from the angels at Green Acres and Faith Hospice.

The service to remember and celebrate Jeanette’s life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive. Friends are invited to visit with her family beginning at 10 AM, and for a time immediately following the service. Jeanette loved nature and animals, and her family suggests memorial donations to the Humane Society of West Michigan. To read more about Jeanette, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com