Jeanette Ann Reed, age 90, of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, at Friendly Village Nursing Home. She was born on July 6, 1935, in Medford, Wisconsin, to David and Alberta (Krickenberg) Anderson.
Jeanette was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a hard worker throughout her life and devoted herself to caring for her family. Raising four children, she spent countless hours walking wherever she needed to go, often pulling the younger children in a wagon. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering love for her family were evident in everything she did.
Known for her sense of humor, Jeanette was a legendary "backseat driver." Although she never had a driver's license, she was never shy about offering directions—even if they weren't always the right ones. Her family will forever cherish the laughter and stories that came from her confident navigation advice.
Jeanette was a lifelong Elvis fan, but more importantly, she was devoted to her family. She was spunky, strong-willed, and had a sparkle that made her uniquely her. Looking around at the women in our family, we can see pieces of her in each of us. That same spark, determination, and spirit continue to shine through, and when we see it, we know it's a little bit of Jeanette.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Reed; her son, Jimmy Wismeth; her daughter, Helen Wismeth; her grandson, Jim Lawrence; her parents, David and Alberta Anderson; and her siblings, Harlan, Sheryl, Darlene, and Jerry.
Jeanette is survived by her daughters, Jeanne (Eugene) Belanger, Joanne (Todd) Lawrence, and Judy (D.J.) Deschler; her son, Jeffrey (Tina) Wismeth; and her siblings, Jenny (Ollie) Kitchen, Sherrie (Mike) Ertl, and Sandy (Rick) Salzwedel.
She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Nichole Braaten, Trisha Meyer, Melissa Lawrence, Michelle Zimmerman, Matthew Deschler, Tiffany Deschler, and Aya and Henry Wismeth.
Jeanette was blessed with many great-grandchildren, including Brodie and Emily Braaten, Evan Meyer, Arcelia, Onyx, and Willow Deschler, Torrance and Cadance Lacrosse, James Lawrence, Cynthia Zimmerman, along with many other family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, located at Wisconsin Highway 64 and Cran Road, Medford, WI 54451. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Jeanette's life. Following the burial, the family will host a Celebration of Life at Sackett's Lake, where loved ones can share stories, memories, and fellowship in honor of Jeanette. In lieu of flowers, Jeanette requested that memorial donations be sent to: Judy Deschler at 446 Hoffmann Ct. in Manawa, WI 54949Memorial contributions will be used to support research efforts related to Dementia and Alzheimer's disease in Jeanette's memory.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of Friendly Village Nursing Home, especially the 900 Wing team, for the compassionate care, comfort, and support they provided to Jeanette during her stay. A special thank you is also extended to the activities staff for helping keep her engaged and bringing joy to her days.
As we say goodbye, we find comfort knowing that Jeanette's fingerprints are all over our lives—in the memories she gave us, the lessons she taught us, the love she shared, and the family she helped shape. Her love, laughter, strength, and unmistakable sparkle will continue to live on through the generations. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
You may leave your private condolences for the family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Reed family.
