Ishpeming, MI - Jeanne Kate Harsila (Henson), 67, of Ishpeming, passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at UP Health System in Marquette, surrounded by family and friends.

Jeanne was born on May 26th, 1954, in Detroit, MI, to the late S. Lorraine (Saari) Anderson and Ernest Henson. Jeanne grew up mainly in the North Lake location, where she enjoyed spending time with her siblings at Grandpa Saari's farm. Jeanne graduated from Ishpeming High School. Later, Jeanne attended night classes, while waitressing during the day, and earned her Bachelors degree in Sociology from Northern Michigan University in 1984. She also worked as a prison guard for the MI Dept of Corrections, at the Marquette Branch Prison and Alger Max Facility. Jeanne then landed her dream job with the MI Department of Social Services (DHS), having worked there for over 15 years before retiring in 2009. While working for the state, she earned a Masters degree in Sociology from Michigan State University in 2008, a feat she was most proud of.

Jeanne and her husband, Scott, were active supporters of the Hodag Country Music Festival, which they enjoyed attending nearly every summer. The beginning of each Hodag season consisted of going throughout the UP to hang fliers. Initially brother, James, and friend, Evelyn, road along, then later, friend Sarah and cousin, Pat, came to help. Hodag season then concluded with going to the 4-day event with family and friends. Jeanne also enjoyed UTV riding, RVing, shopping, motorcycling, helping others, and especially spending time with family and friends. Jeanne will be missed by grand-dogs Milo, Jaxon and Buddy, but especially by her goldendoodle, Molly.

Survivors include her husband, Scott Harsila of Ishpeming; son, Richard (Marianne) Wickstrom of L'Anse; daughter, Shanna Dighera of Champion; stepson and stepdaughter Daniel (Selena) Harsila and Sarah (Justin) Dale, both of Texas. Grandchildren include Jessica, Kolt, Gracie and several other grandchildren, whom she was hoping to meet on an RV trip to Texas; one great-grandchild, Adilia; sister, Susan Wooden of Ishpeming; five brothers, Brandon (Cristina) Anderson of Ishpeming, Don (Julie) Nyman of Negaunee, Glen (Ginger) Henson of Indio, CA, Dennis (Tina) Henson of Gwinn, and Kenny (Patricia) Henson of Indio, CA; mother-in-law, June Harsila of Ishpeming; brother-in-law Stewart Harsila of Ishpeming, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Katrina; sister, Tanya Anderson; brothers, James and Keith Henson; brothers-in-law William Wooden and Steven Harsila; grandchildren Katie and Jacob, and nephew Donald Nyman.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 2:00-3:00PM on Monday June 27, 2022 at the Bethel Lutheran Church, 333 E. Ridge St., Ishpeming, where a memorial service will be held at 3:00PM with Rev. Steve Weston officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.  Interment will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery in L'Anse on Tuesday June 28, 2022 at 12:00 PM.

"In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still.  In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill."

Jeanne's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.