Jill Marie Desmith

Jill Marie DeSmith, age 45 of Glenwood City, passed away May 21, 2014 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.  Jill was born on October 14, 1968 in Great Falls, Montana, the daughter of David and Ione (Holldorf) DeSmith.  Jill graduated from Glenwood City High School, the class of 1986.   She was united in marriage to Ron Johnson; that marriage later dissolved.  Jill’s life was blessed with a daughter, Megan and son, Michael.  Jill furthered her education at WITC in New Richmond with a nursing degree.  Jill was compassionate and patient – which not only made her a wonderful person, but nurse as well.  She thoroughly enjoyed her nursing career at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, until her terminal cancer diagnosis forced her to an early medical retirement.

Jill’s greatest joy was her granddaughter, Autumn and great cousin, Kaya- both little ones brought so much love and happiness to her world.  She cherished her time with her children, and enjoyed their shopping trips together.  Jill also found peacefulness in reading a good book.   Jill was fortunate to share a trip in California with her mother, in which many wonderful memories were made in Napa Valley and San Francisco.  Jill’s gracious heart offered such understanding and unconditional love to those who were blessed to be a part of her life.

Jill will remain in the hearts of her daughter, Megan (Stephen) Nennig; son, Michael Johnson; former husband and friend, Ron Johnson; granddaughter, Autumn Nennig; mother, Ione DeSmith of Glenwood City; father, David (Judi) DeSmith of Menomonie; aunts and uncles:  Carlla (Dick) Lingerfelt, Duane Holldorf, Jerry (Sally) Holldorf, Cheryll Holldorf, Joyce Nieman, Marvin Cassellius, Marlys DeSmith and Karen DeSmith; many loving cousins; and special friend, Rob VanVleck.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Albert & Linda Holldorf and Ed & Anne DeSmith; special cousin, Carra Lingerfelt; aunts and uncles:  Merwyn Holldorf, Nancy Holldorf, Shirley Cassellius, Rodney “Bud” DeSmith, Roger DeSmith, Glenn DeSmith and Earl Nieman.

Visitation will be held 1:00 – 3:00 PM, with a 3:00 PM Service, Sunday, May 25, 2014 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton St., Baldwin, with Jayne Helgevold,  Chaplain Resident officiating.  Interment will take place at the Glenwood City Cemetery.   Pallbearers assisting with the services will be:  Michael Johnson, Barb Swank, Stephen Nennig, Allison Krosnoski, Brandon Cassellius, Tyler Nueske and Rob VanVleck.  Memorials are preferred to Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin.