Jeanette Elizabeth Kallmeyer, 89, of Saint Louis, Missouri, left this life for peaceful rest on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 16, 1935, in Zeigler, Illinois, Jeanette was the daughter of the late George Martin and Elizabeth (nee Duncan) Martin.

Jeanette is survived by her devoted husband, James D. (Jim) Kallmeyer; her much-loved children, Meribeth (Beth) Kane, Larry Akins, Nanette (Nan) Akins, and Martin (Marty) Akins (spouse Nancy); and her treasured grandchildren, Josh Vehovic, Brad Akins (Paige), Ben Vehovic (Denise), Daniel Vehovic, Amanda Greubel (Scott), Abbie Evans (Jordan), Francie Akins, Mary Jane Akins, Patrick Akins, and Jeanette Akins. She was also a proud great-grandmother to eight beautiful great-grandchildren.

Jeanette is further survived by her brothers, William (Bill) Martin and Dale Martin (Jean); her sister, Judith McPherson (Ron); and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Lawrence Eugene (Gene) Akins; her brother Richard (Dick) Martin; her sonin- law Phil Kane; and her daughter-in-law Elise Akins.

Jeanette was born and raised in Zeigler, Illinois, and attended Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Gene Akins, they began their family in West Frankfort, Illinois, before settling in Springfield, Illinois. Tragically widowed in 1968, Jeanette courageously embraced the challenge of raising four young children on her own.

In 1971, Jeanette met Jim Kallmeyer, originally of Hermann, Missouri. After a whirlwind courtship, they married in November of that year and made their home in the Springfield area. Together, they shared 53 wonderful years of love and unwavering companionship. Jim was a devoted partner and a constant source of support and affection throughout their marriage. In addition to many years as a homemaker, Jeanette worked as a medical secretary, retiring from Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. Jeanette and Jim moved to their home in Kirkwood, Missouri in 2013.

Jeanette’s life was a testament to her nurturing spirit and deep commitment to her family. She was a loving and dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she cherished as her “babies” no matter their age. Jeanette’s wit, sense of humor, and storytelling ability kept her family entertained as she lovingly recounted stories about each of her grandchildren with amazing precision. She was also a woman of boundless faith with an enduring certainty in the power of prayer, and it was these beliefs that carried her through on her earthly journey to eternal peace.

Her vibrant personality, kindness, and compassion touched the lives of everyone she met. Jeanette was known for her class, her humility, her charm, and her love for history, music, “junking,” and all things Abe Lincoln. She was also a talented amateur artist and seamstress, and she enjoyed the occasional twirl on the dance floor (especially with her progeny), as well as commenting (promptly) on each and every one of her grandchildren’s social media posts. She was quick-witted and clever, and her presence will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, MO. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at First Christian Church of Zeigler, 111 W. Maryland St., Zeigler, IL, followed by burial at Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Christian Church of Zeigler, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Smile Train (providing cleft surgeries for children).

Jeanette’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. Her love and legacy of kindness, humor, and devotion will never be forgotten.