Jeanne Urban, age 97, died peacefully on Saturday, January 30 at Holy Rosary Residential Living in Miles City Montana following a brief stay there.
Jeanne was born Dorothy Jeanne White in Minot, North Dakota on September 25, 1918 to parents Helen and L.A. White. She was the middle child of five, growing up in a family which valued family, church, music, and education. She attended elementary and high school in Minot, where her father was superintendent, and continued her education at Minot State Teacher’s College. She graduated in 1940 with degrees in English and Music, and later added an endorsement in Library Science.
Jeanne first taught In Max, ND, and then moved to Hebron, ND to teach. There she met George Urban, a local businessman and tenor. They married in 1942 and later had two children, John in 1944 and Marilyn in 1948. George went back to school to gain his education degree, and in 1956 he and Jeanne moved to Arnegard to teach. They taught in Alexander and Watford City followed by many years in Williston where Jeanne was the junior high librarian. She especially enjoyed reading all the books so she would be able to find a book for any student by knowing his or her interests.
In addition to her family and her teaching, Jeanne was active as a director for a variety of groups including a men’s chorus and several church choirs. Because of her beautiful soprano voice she was a prized member of several musical groups as well. She and her husband put together many musical programs and entertained civic and religious groups for many years. Music was always of source of joy throughout her life whether performing, participating, or listening.
Jeanne was also part of groups which supported women’s education (PEO, Delta Kappa Gamma, AAUW), and was active in church groups and activities. She and George enjoyed traveling in their VW camper all over the USA and especially North Dakota. She continued to travel with friends and family following his death in 1990, and never failed to enjoy the beautiful scenery wherever she went. She spent her last dozen years living with her daughter and son-in-law and his mother in Butte and Miles City, Montana where “The Moms” were a popular pair in the church and community.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Elizabeth and Margaret, her brother Dave, and her husband George.
She is survived by her youngest sister, Joyce; her son John (Audrey) Urban of Dickinson, ND, her daughter Marilyn (Bob) Thaden of Miles City, grandchildren Josh Thaden of Miles City, Lyssa Thaden of Spokane, WA, and great-grandchild Slate Thaden Hayes.
We will remember Jeanne’s cheerful outlook on life, her directing music on every hymn and concert from chair or pew, her rendition of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning!” while out for a drive, and her appreciation of small favors and family.
Memorials can be directed to groups supporting women’s education or music.
A memorial service will be held at United Christian Church in Miles City, Montana at 4:00 pm Thursday February 11, 2016. This will be followed by an English tea, music, and remembrances in the UCC Disciple’s Hall. Interment will be held in Hebron, ND, at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
4:00 p.m.
Thursday February 11, 2016
United Christian Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
4:00 p.m.
Thursday February 11, 2016
United Christian Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Gail Laakso says
Such a sweet, sweet lady. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Marilyn, Bob and family,
Jean was such a dear lady. I will always remember her singing her little tunes.
Our thoughts are with you all as you celebrate a very special lady.
Nancy Hoffelt says
To Jeanne’s family:
It was my good fortune to have worked with both Jeanne and George during their years in Williston. Jeanne and I were on the Junior High faculty and often worked together since she was in the library and I taught English. She always had time for every student and always was so very pleasant and cheerful when we’d visit in the teachers’ lounge. The year that she broke her wrist we scheduled a quick morning get together prior to school starting so I could comb her hair…somehow it wasn’t a job for George. She was a lovely, lovely lady and thinking of her brings many cherished memories of a kind and talented friend who dealt as graciously with life as she did with people. She truly was a joy to know. My deepest sympathy to you as you celebrate a life so well lived but mourn the loss of one so dear.
Carolyn (Marburger) Pratt says
To the family of Jeanne,
My prayers are with you. Jeanne and my mom go way back to Minot when her father was superintendent and my grandfather was a pharmacist. They knew each other as children and also mom, Jeanne and I shared P.E.O. ties. I knew both Jeanne and George well and they were truly gracious and lovely people. My sympathy to all.
Kaye Harr says
Marilyn & Bob & family,
I was saddened to read of Jeanne’s passing. I remember her so very well and thought she was such a lovely lady. You were so fortunate, Marilyn, to have been able to enjoy her gracious presence for so many years. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat Mann Grantier says
My mother, Mary Mann, and I are reminiscing about the lovely lady, Jeanne. Such a melodic, , sweet voice and manner–kind and thoughtful in every way. The year that I was a traveling counselor in Hebron Schools, she graciously opened her home to me to stay when the weather was too bad to drive home to Dickinson. I remember visiting her Williston condo and seeing the artwork of former students whose talent she promoted and valued. She definitely made the world a better place throughout her long, appreciative life. A model to emulate.
Stan and Shirley Lyson says
Jeanne was such a beautiful lady. She was a friend for many years at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Williston. Sorry about your loss.
Karen Krauth says
To Jeanne’s family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother/grandmother was such a wonderful lady. I remember her well and always enjoyed her music. We were “just down the block” neighbors in Hebron so I also remember your Dad and you, John and Marilyn, as you grew up. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you are blessed with many good memories.
Kerri Friesz says
Marilyn and Family,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. Nancy and I have fond memories of walking down University Ave in Williston and being graciously greeted by Jeanne and George and having a friendly talk. We also liked visiting with Jeanne in Miles City.
Sincerely,
Clarence (Nancy) Tupa
Sandy Valko says
To Jeanne’s family,
My dad, Bunny Mann and George Urban were cousins. I remember George and Jeanne coming to our home in Dickinson to visit a bit before returning home to Watford City or Williston. I’ve always remembered Jeanne’s beautiful smile, her laugh, and kindness. It was a good day when she visited. She left a lovely legacy for her family and friends. My thoughts are with Jeanne and her family as you celebrate her wonderful life. Blessings!
Sandy (Mann) Valko
Dee Mobley says
Marilyn, Bob, Josh………….
You’ve all done a commendable, loving, beyond-the-call-of-duty job of HONORING “The Moms”. Both were treasures. I wish I’d taken the opportunity of getting acquainted with Jeanne and spent more time with both Moms. But I will…………….. Alleluia!
May He bless you richly for your care of The Moms! dee