Jeanette Elaine Nibbe was born in Milwaukee, WI on October 24th, 1933, to the late John and Agnes (Heine) Giese. Humble in spirit, Jeanette's formative years shaped her sense of curiosity and wonder, and she would express a warm and natural kindness toward others her entire life. She breezed through elementary school, made friends easily, and would eventually enter high school (Milwaukee Lutheran) in full stride. By the time of her graduation (1951) she'd met the love of her life, Kenneth Nibbe, who she would promptly marry in 1952. 'Til death do us part was never more true than with these two, married for 74 years they were rarely seen apart. Amusing home movies reveal that during their early years together, while both Ken and Jeanette loved the water, boats, and fishing, neither one exhibited any particular excellence getting in or out of a simple fishing boat! Undaunted by what the world would throw at them, Ken and Jeanette would have three children, all of whom survive her - daughter Gail Popp of Menasha; two sons: Steven J. (Diane) Nibbe of Madison and Rod (Nancy) Nibbe of Blaine, Washington. In addition, four grandchildren: Kelly (Andy) Ullrich; Sierra (Matt) Provencal; Hanna and Taylor Nibbe; and great grandson Caleb Larson; and great granddaughters Madison, Mariah and MacKenzie Ullrich.

In addition to the demands of raising a family, Jeanette worked as a school administrator for many years at Hoover Elementary School in New Berlin, WI. As a faithful member of the Lutheran church, she served in a voluntary role on numerous church committees. When Jeanette and Ken retired (1994) they sold their home in West Allis, WI and moved to their newly built dream home on Buckatabon Lake in Conover, WI. There she and Ken would fully embrace the Northwoods lifestyle - snowmobiling, long walks in the woods, and, of course, boating and fishing (by then both had become well-accomplished at (dis)embarking small boats!). Jeanette even found time leftover for a side hustle, working part-time in the office of Benson Builders for several years.

In 2005, Ken and Jeanette left Buckatabon Lake and moved to Appleton, WI where they lived together, independently, for nearly twenty years. Still vital in spirit and health, Jeanette continued to volunteer at her church and spread kindness and warmth to all who she contacted. Jeanette adored flowers, her gardens were a botanical marvel. She also enjoyed baking, her Butterhorns especially were the bomb! - a dessert treat she shared generously with family and friends. In 2024, she and Ken moved to independent living at Heritage Woods senior home in Appleton, WI.

On Friday, August 14th, 2026, Jeanette E. Nibbe, age 92, died peacefully at Cherry Meadows Hospice. The following day, everyone who knew and loved Jeanette remarked that the world seemed a little less bright.

Jeanette's family would like to extend a very special thank you to the nurses and staff at The Heritage. Also a special shoutout to Ben, Theda Care's in-home hospice nurse and the staff at Cherry Meadows, for their grace and compassionate care given to Jeanette.

A funeral service will take place at 11 am on Monday, August 24th, at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E. Glendale Ave. Appleton.  Friends may visit at the church on Monday from 9 am until 10:45 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Faith Lutheran Church in Jeanette's honor.