Jeanne Baldwin Roberts Flegel

    Jeanne B. Flegel, age 93, of Ithaca entered peacefully into God’s kingdom on February 11, 2017.  She was born Jeanne Baldwin Roberts on September 17, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of William Charles Roberts and Leila Belle (Baldwin).

    Jeanne attended Wooster College in Ohio, from 1942 until 1946, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree. During the summers in college, she designed boilers for the war effort.  While at Wooster, she met her husband, Nyal, who was in the Navy.  They married on September 14, 1946, and Jeanne followed Nyal to Ithaca, in Gratiot County.

    Jeanne was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ithaca.  For over sixty years she led many choirs and played the organ for many services and weddings.  Jeanne gave hundreds of students piano lessons in her home, as well as playing for many singers and instrumentalists at Alma College and Solo and Ensemble high school events.  The Alma College campus was fortunate to have her perform many piano recitals when her husband, Nyal, was attending after WWII.  She also served on Alma College Symphony Board for many years.

    Jeanne had an affinity for reading and an avid lover of animals.  Many organizations will sorely miss her monetary contributions for their well-being.  Any stray on her porch knew they had found a superb home.

    She was an excellent knitter and seamstress, and enjoyed painting and sketching which displayed at home.

    Jeanne is survived by her children, Sylvia Flegel (Gary Sych) of Ithaca and David (Jinko) Flegel of Niles; her grandchildren, Shane (Wendy) Bailey of Marquette, Karyn (Chris) Spaude of Milford, Paul (Angela) Bailey of Howard City, Adam Weaver of Grand Rapids, and Alena Flegel of Niles; and her great grandchildren, Nathan and Leah Spaude and Cora Bailey of Howard City.  Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Nyal; two infant sons, Charles and Paul; her parents; and her brother, Web.

    Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, February 15, at the Ithaca United Methodist Church, with Pastor Steve Young and Pastor Gary Simmons officiating.  Interment will follow in North Star Cemetery.  Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Humane Society.

    Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Jan Naumes]

I am sorry to hear about the loss of Jeanne. My condolences to her family. Her and Nyal used to come to the office I worked in and I always enjoyed a good chat with them.

[Marilee Mouser]

Deepest condolences to Jeanne's children and grandchildren. We are so grateful for the music she shared with us.

[Larry Gould]

Jeanne was my piano teacher and my sisters when we were growing up. Jeanne taught me to read music. It was an honor to have been in the Methodist choir with Jeanne as director. She would always call me to remind me when we are singing. The gift of music lasts a life time and Jeanne shared her gift in service to our church. Prayers for her family

[Jan Johnson]

Jeane & Nyle were close friends of our family especially Uncle Woodie & Aunt Imo. My father & mother, Randall & Cleo also enjoyed their company. All were members of the Methodist Church. I remember being in choir at church when she played the organ. I am happy she had such a long productive life. Rest in peace.

[Larry Brown]

Oh my. My mother (Jean) and Jeanne worked together to produce so many wonderful cantatas and choir anthems. I will never forget "The Seven Last Words of Christ". I too took piano lessens from Jeanne but she was just too nice. She couldn't get mad at me when I didn't practice, so I didn't. :)

[Al and Pat Hooper]

Al and I have warm memories of Jeanne, her family, and her years of significant contributions to worship services and the congregation of the Ithaca Methodist Church. May God hold her family in the palm of His hand.

[Kathy Francis]

Love and prayers to the family. I remember Jeanne playing organ every Sunday when we attended there with my mom Shirley Whitman in the 90's. Mom loved her organ playing so much and I know would pass her condolences as well!

[Beth Roberts and Mohamed Elsharkawy]

Cousins,
I am so sorry to hear about Great Aunt Jeanne. I will always remember our visits with her fondly. Sending you all love and blessings.
Love,
Beth and Mohamed

[Sally Helwig]

Sorry for the lose of your mom. I will miss seeing her sitting in her wheel chair when I come into Rosewood. She would love it when I brought my kitten in. She perked right up and told me, "Take good care of that kittie." She is in a much better plan now. No pain or confusion.

[Dawn Lombard]

My condolences to all the family. May she rest in peace. I always enjoyed her music when i would attend church.

[Steven Gibson]

I am very sorry to learn of her passing. My sister and I took piano lessons from her for many years. She was always a very patient and giving person and will be missed by all who knew her.

[Bill Humm]

Mrs Flegel was such a good friend of our family. My mother sang in the church choir under her leadership, and my sisters Avis and Mary plus myself took piano lessons from her for many years. She was always so patient and nice to me during lessons even though I had little talent. However from that I developed a real love of classical music which I will cherish forever. My condolences to David and Sylvia and their families for your loss.