Jane Ellen Wilwerding, 82

  Jane Ellen Wilwerding was one of eleven children born to Irene and Carl Wilwerding. She was born in Earling, Iowa along with her twin sister Judy Thraen. Jane attended several different elementary schools as a child and eventually graduated from Woodbine High School.
In 1961, Jane chose to enter religious life with the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque, Iowa and was professed in 1969. In 1986, she chose to request a dispensation from final vows. Jane attended Briar Cliff College where she received her B.A. and Double Masters degrees in Religious Education and Counseling. She utilized her educational background by serving in the Des Moines Diocese. Jane’s love of counseling led her pursue a Ph.D. in social work from St. Louis University.
Her Ph.D. and Social Work Licensure aided her for 28 years; as she was able to live out her desire to work among the severely and persistently mentally ill population. She dedicated her life to the Behavioral Health arena, where she was consistently recognized as a compassionate, understanding, and caring therapist with her clients. To this day her clients remember her with gratitude and love.
Jane enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, dancing, eating Mexican food, attending church activities, reading and she especially loved traveling.
Jane passed away peacefully at Rose Vista Nursing Home on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 attaining the age of 82 years, 3 months, and 12 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Irene and Carl Wilwerding, and siblings, Richard Wilwerding, Ivo Wilwerding, Phyllis Heller, and Maxine Wilwerding.
She is survived by her  siblings,  Norma Jablonski of Omaha, NE, Jolene Blum of Harlan, IA, Judy Thraen of Earling, IA, Duane (Sandy) Wilwerding of Omaha, NE, Carol (Don) Eagle of Garland, TX, Larry (Sharon) Wilwerding of Mesa, AZ; special friend, Mary Ann Peters of St. Louis, MO; many nieces & nephews;  many great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends.
An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial was officiated by Rev. Clement Owusu and Rev. Wayne Gubbels on Friday, February 23, 2024 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Jim Blum, Don Wilwerding, Gerry Thraen, Gary Wilwerding, Jerry Wilwerding, and Dan Thraen served as casket bearers. A burial was held at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Defiance, Iowa following the service.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.