Jeanne Vakulskas

Jeanne Vakulskas, age 63, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2015, at her home. Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Wednesday, December 23, 2015, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 4 PM to 8 PM at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel in Sioux City where the family will be present from 6 PM to 8 PM and a vigil service will be held at 7 PM. Online condolences may be left at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Jeanne Marie, daughter of Charles and Georgia (Quint) Vakulskas, was born September 23, 1952, in Sioux City, Iowa. She grew up in Sioux City and graduated from Heelan High School in 1970. She then attended St. Joseph School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. Jeanne also worked at the Sioux City Journal for a couple of years. In 1984, she began training to become a firefighter. In 1985, Jeanne became the first female firefighter ever in Sioux City, a profession she enjoyed until retiring on her 55th birthday in 2007. Jeanne enjoyed boating, being on the water, slalom skiing, reading novels, traveling, and caring for her dogs and cats, especially Jasper and Katie. Known as “Grandma Bono”. Jeanne cherished the time spent with her grandkids, as well as companion, Donald White, and other friends and family.

Jeanne is survived by three sons: Jerry Plathe Jr. and wife Gina of Sioux City; Daniel Plathe and wife Misty of Grimes; and Lee Hansen of Omaha, Nebraska; four grandchildren: Aaron, Lexi, Gage and Tyce; siblings: Charles Vakulskas and wife Cheryl; Bob Vakulskas and companion Raye Vollmer; Patty Kilburn and companion Joe Paulsen; Mike Vakulskas and wife Barb; and Jerry Vakulskas and wife Cori. She was preceded in death by her parents; two grandsons Caleb and Jaxton; and her dog Jasper.