Jean Lenning

Jean Lenning, age 90, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown.  Rev. Janet Miller will officiate. 

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Tuesday starting at 10:00 a.m.

Burial will be at St. Petri Cemetery in rural Bruce, SD.

Jean was born on March 31, 1936, in Vienna, South Dakota, to Lester and Emily (McCullough) Anderson. She attended Norman Elementary School District #39 in Clear Lake through the eighth grade before graduating from Brandt High School in 1954.

On May 22, 1955, Jean married the love of her life, Vernon Lenning. Together they built a wonderful life and raised six children: Donna, Diane, Wanda, Richard, Robert, and Nancy. They began their married life on a dairy farm near Brookings before eventually making their home in Watertown.

Jean believed in hard work and wasn't afraid to roll up her sleeves. She worked at Midtex for 13 years before health concerns from smoke inhalation forced her to leave. She later spent eight years at Minnesota Rubber, retiring in 1995. Retirement didn't slow her down for long. She soon joined Vernon driving mail for the U.S. Postal Service. Together they became known for getting the job done no matter the weather—even if it meant getting stranded in a South Dakota snowstorm or two. Their dedication earned them a certificate recognizing a job well done.

They retired together in 1999 as Vernon's health declined. Jean lovingly cared for him until his passing in 2018, a true testament to the devotion they shared throughout their marriage.

Jean also spent time working alongside her daughter Nancy at Empire Pizza, where she proudly earned the playful nickname "Mean Jean." Anyone who knew her knew the nickname couldn't have been further from the truth—it was all in good fun. She also enjoyed helping her daughter Diane at Riverside Restaurant, always willing to lend a hand wherever she was needed. Whether she was in the kitchen or helping with daily tasks, Jean was happiest when she was busy and surrounded by family.

A gifted baker, Jean learned to make bread at an early age and became famous for her homemade cinnamon rolls, which family and friends still claimed were second to none. She loved cooking for those she cared about and always made sure no one left her table hungry.

Her beloved dog, Benji, held a special place in her heart and was her faithful companion until the very end.

Jean loved music, dancing, and spending Thursday evenings enjoying the live music in uptown Watertown. She had a remarkable talent for yodeling and never missed an opportunity to show it off—especially if it meant embarrassing her children in public. She also loved shopping at thrift stores and took great pride in every treasure she brought home. Vernon would often laugh and ask, "Now what did you drag home?" Sometimes, Jean admitted, it was easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

Jean will be remembered for her incredible work ethic, quick wit, infectious sense of humor, generous heart, and the love she expressed through every loaf of bread, every pan of cinnamon rolls, every meal she prepared, and every moment she shared with those she loved. She leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, cherished memories, and unconditional love that will remain with her family forever.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon; her daughter, Wanda Chandler; her son, Robert Lenning; her parents; three siblings; many brothers- and sisters-in-law; and two nephews, Chad Christensen and Kevin Anderson.

Grateful to have shared her life are her daughters, Donna Lenning of Watertown, Diane Stanton (Emil) of Watertown, and Nancy Borkhuis (David) of Watertown; her son, Richard Lenning (Marsha) of Watertown; her sixteen grandchildren: Steve Stanton (Amber) of Watertown, Jeff Stanton (Jenna) of Harrisburg, Eric Engels of Sioux Falls, Justin Engels (Heidi) of Watertown, Ryan Chandler (Angie) of Harrisburg, Kelly Chandler (Brandon) of Watertown, Jon Lenning (Jessica) of Watertown, Mike Lenning (Carolyn) of Watertown, Amanda Madsen (Ian) of Watertown, Nikki Borkhuis of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and Bryce Borkhuis of Oakdale, Minnesota; and her sister, Janice Christensen of Watertown.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfrodosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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