Jennifer L. McLeland
August 16, 1947 ~ July 10, 2020
Jennifer L. McLeland
Loving wife, mother and grandmother, retired teacher, passed away Friday, July 10, 2020.
Jenny’s fondest memories were times traveling in her coach with Joe. They visited 44 states and throughout Canada. They enjoyed wintering in the southern states, spending the last few years in Tucson. Every trip included a visit with one of their children, from Mardi Gras in Lafayette, to the Shocker Tournament in St Louis or train rides in Colorado.
Jenny enjoyed planning gatherings at her house/coach with friends and sitting around the fire pit drinking wine. One of her favorite events was the annual Easter crawfish boil.
Jenny was in heaven when she was with her family. Spending time with her children and grandchildren during the holidays or at Lake Wilson were some of her favorite memories. Her last trip was with her family at Lake Wilson.
Jenny is preceded in death by her mother, Esther Kruckenberg; brother, Lyman “Butch” Kruckenberg. Surviors: husband, Joe; children, Kimberly (Richard) Chism, Michelle (John) Marker, Darin (Thao) McLeland; father, Lyman Kruckenberg; brother, Martin Kruckenberg; grandchildren, Adele and Kayley Chism, Lauren and Joshua Marker and Treavor and Tyler McLeland.
Visitation, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 14, at Downing & Lahey West with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Memorial Service, 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 15, at Ascension Lutheran Church followed by a Graveside Service at Resurrection Cemetery.
A memorial has been established with Passageways, Ltd., an organization dedicated to helping homeless veterans. Donations may be mailed to 6841 W. Shade Lane, #202, Wichita, KS 67212 or online at www.passagewaysltd.org.
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McLeland Family, A mother is with us always, first in her lifetime, then forever in our memory. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin & I were very sorry to hear of Jenny’s passing. She was such a bright & beautiful spirit. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. She will be missed by many. Kevin & Donna Keil
I have fond memories growing up with Jennifer and visiting at her house. Her mom taught me how to make cabbage rolls and my kids and grandkids love them too. Jenny was always such a good friend. Prayers to the family. Warmly, Rita Rice Garrett
Jenny was my roommate our first semester at Ft. Hays State College. I remember when she and Joe first started dating. My deepest sympathy to Joe and their family.
Joe, I know how much you and Jennie enjoyed your cross country trips during your retirements. It was great to spend time with you guys at your camper in Topeka and also last year at the Legislative Shrimp feed. Jennie will certainly be missed. Please accept Arnold’s and my sympathies to you and your family. Lana Gordon
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jenny was like a big sister to me. Always there to try and get Butch and myself out of trouble. I shall miss her, a lot! God’s blessings on Joe and the kids.
We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.
With warm thoughts and sympathy. Happy memories. Love Marlies and Eric
Jennifer was much more than a great sister / sister in law but a wise friend full of love . We will miss her so much. RIP
Jenny was one of the first teachers I met at Harry Street. She was very helpful, kind and funny. We enjoyed our coffee group in the morning before school.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, God’s blessings to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
My Thought and Prayers are with your entire family. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Jenny was a dedicated 4th grade teacher at Harry Street Elementary, where I taught for 5 years, from August 1990 to May 1995. She was friendly and helpful, always good at communicating. In fact, I felt welcomed by her before I ever met her: the summer before I started at Harry Street, I was assistant camp director and Girl Scout Camp Wiedemann. At the supper table, during nightly dinner conversations with the resident campers, one night a couple of girls at my table had gone to Harry Street, and had been in Jenny’s 4th grade class during the school year that had just ended. When they found out I would be starting the PreK program at Harry Street, they gushed about how nice Mrs McLeland was, and assured me that she would be willing to help me if I needed anything. Jenny was indeed a calm, welcoming presence. She was also always quick with a laugh, which was important amongst that staff—we had a lot of fun just enjoying one another as friends and colleagues. Our tiny staff lounge was always full of laughter and camaraderie before school and at lunch. You did not want to miss lunch in the lounge, because you would miss out on so much witty conversation and hearty laughter. Staff gatherings after school, usually at Sheridan’s house, were common, as were rollicking Christmas parties. Lots of good memories, and Jenny wouldn’t have missed an event! Karen Gertsen