Obituary
Jeanne Marie Reiter
Jeanne Marie Reiter (nee Cardinal), 81, passed on May 3, 2026, in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Jeanne was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Known for her kindness, warmth and dedication, she touched many lives through her caring nature and community involvement. Jeanne was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin to William and Eileen Cardinal. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Gary Cardinal. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, John Reiter, and sister Carol Petska.
Jeanne graduated from McDonnell High School in Chippewa Falls in 1962 and married John, the love her life, in 1964. Together they had three children: Jeff Reiter, Juile Kohls (Kevin), and Shari Clifford (Robert). She was the proud grandmother to John Clifford (Bre), Avery Clifford, Alyssa Shimon (Alex), Ben Kohls (Tara), Aidan Reiter, and Beri Reiter. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren Brooks Clifford, Calvin Clifford, Maverick Kohls, and Ryanne Kohls.
Jeanne earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration and was a Certified Medical Practice Executive. Her career took her to Wausau, Wisconsin where she worked for Wausau Hospital and Kronenwetter Clinic. John and Jeanne moved to Arizona where she was the Business Manager of the Maricopa Internal Medicine Specialists of Phoenix. She returned to Wausau as the Director of the University of Wisconsin Cancer Center before they moved to Madison. She retired from the UW-Medical School-Department of Obstetrics & amp, Gynecology as an Administrator.
In retirement, Jeanne was a member of the Fields at Sand Lake social club. She spent her free time snuggling grand and great grandchildren, traveling, participating in book clubs, completing Sodukos, and solving jigsaw puzzles in record time.
The family would like to thank the hospice care team at Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center for the care and attention to Jeanne in her final days. A service is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association at
https:/ww.heart.org to honor Jeanne’s commitment to health and community service. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
My heart goes out John and the family. Jeanne was a dear friend who brightened a room with her smile.
Jeanne was my cousin. We grew up together visiting in both Chippewa Falls, and my childhood home in Cornell. Jeanne was always the light in the middle of the storm. She loved unconditionally, and her strong faith and moral compass guided her through her entire life. She lived her faith. I was blessed to call her family. Her words of encouragement, her words of humor, and her words of advice and comfort will continue to resonate with me in life. Jeanne may physically be gone, but her love will always remain. Fly free, Jeanne. Eternal peace is now yours.
I will miss Jeanne’s passion for fun, family and Costco. She went out of her way for me many times. I see from the comments here that everyone feels that way..I hope her family knows that she spoke glowing about them always.
Jeanne was such a kind person. she haf such a gentle spirit. I have known her since I was 4. She will be missed.
Our Russell Drive So Neighbors will miss Jeanne as we gather for our coffees and social events. John&Jeanne also attended Holmen Concerts when we all went together. Jeanne kept our conversations filled with Laughter and fun. Always concerned about the welfare of all. She kept her puzzle making going to entertain friends and those at a care center. Her kind heart will always be remembered. Thank you Jeanne for touching all of our lives.
So glad to have had Jeanne as a friend since living in Holmen. We enjoyed time together with a glass of wine, coffee and get togethers with neighbors, sharing puzzles and water aerobics at the Y. Missing her greatly. My sympathy to her family and friends.
Jeanne was my classmate at Notre Dame Grade School and McDonell HS in Chippewa Falls, Wi. She was a wonderful student and classmate. It is hard to believe that she is gone from this earth! Her presence was always warm and loving…. and it sounds like she carried those qualities throughout her life. Spiritually her presence will always be with us! May her soul rest in peace!
You have my deepest sympathy. Jeanne always had a smile and a cordial greeting. I know she will be missed dearly by her family. Hugs to John and her family.