Emma Jeanne Zentner, 100, died Monday, June 17, 2024 at Nation Cottage, Western Home Communities, in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Family private services will be held.
Emma Jeanne Zentner was born on May 4, 1924, and grew up in Algona, Iowa, where she spent most of her life. She liked to be called Jeanne by her friends.
After graduating from Algona High School, class of 1942, she attended Iowa State University for one year, before marrying Dwaine C. Lighter in 1945. They had one daughter, Ann Renee Lighter, and later divorced, in 1962.
Emma Jeanne then attended Drake University, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts / Education degree and had a 32-year long career as an Art Instructor.
She married John Zentner in 1970, and they later divorced.
She made several trips to Europe, where she enjoyed visiting the major art galleries of many countries, and was, herself, a talented artist who loved working and painting in her studio at home.
At age 73, Emma Jeanne retired from her teaching profession, but continued to be active in sharing her love of art with others. She was an advocate for animals, and frequently rescued a cat or dog in need of help. She found loving homes for those she could not adopt herself, and always had several beloved cats in her own home.
She was kind and generous, a great cook, a gifted artist, a wonderful daughter to her own parents, and a loving mother to her daughter. Her daughter recalls that there was no greater unconditional love and support than that given by her mother, throughout her life.
Emma Jeanne dearly loved her family, her home, and the town of Algona, where many friends and former students often visited. Always glad to welcome guests into her home, she enjoyed sharing her latest paintings and serving a meal at her table.
She enjoyed getting together with the other members of AHS class of ’42 and was well known for hosting dessert parties at her home during their annual class reunions. She was well known for making pies and fancy desserts for these occasions and loved having a house full of former classmates and friends to share memories and good conversation.
In her later years, Emma Jeanne began to have age related dementia, and in 2015, was moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she became a resident of Western Home Communities. Although she greatly missed her home in Algona, she was content to be near her daughter, who was devoted to overseeing her care.
When asked about her life, she would say “I wouldn’t change a thing…. God is always right.”
She passed away peacefully in the early morning of June 17, 2024, at Nation Cottage, Western Home Communities, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was 100 years old. Much gratitude to the staff there, and to Cedar Valley Hospice for the wonderful care she received.
Emma Jeanne was preceded in death by her father, Willard O. Ringgenberg, and her mother, Emily A. Ringgenberg. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Renee Lighter (Gary T. Froyen) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and many dear friends who continue to remember her loving spirit and generosity.
Emma Jeanne will be laid to rest in a private ceremony, beside her parents at Riverview Cemetery, Algona, Iowa.
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