Jeanette Held
Brussels |
Jeanette C. (Fortschneider) Held a long-time resident of Brussels, spending her last year in Godfrey, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024.
Jeanette was born in Golden Eagle to Leonard and Loretta (Hagen) Fortschneider on June 2, 1929. She married Louis H. Held on November 27, 1948 at St. Mary’s Church in Brussels, Illinois. They were lucky enough to celebrate their 60th anniversary before his passing on March 17, 2009.
She was a housewife and mother to three children, Patricia, Bill and Mike. In 1968, she and Louis opened the Red & White grocery store in Brussels. There she continued her family tradition of making Fortschneider sausage until the store was sold in 1993. During that time, they also worked together to own and operate the Brussels Lumber and Hardware Store. In addition to these businesses, she was able to make her dream of serving German food a reality when she opened Das Helden Haus, a small German restaurant attached to the grocery store.
She volunteered many hours to the organization and implementation of the Calhoun Rural Water System, a necessity that she felt was strongly needed for the people of Calhoun County.
She and her husband enjoyed traveling and making frequent trips to Branson, MO, and eventually visiting all 50 states. They hosted family and friend gatherings and enjoyed the opportunity to share good food, drinks and much time playing cards. After the passing of Louie, her time was spent cooking, crocheting, doing puzzle books, gardening and many more card games. She was blessed with special neighbors to look after her, especially Joyce Meyer who paid her daily visits every morning, and brought the mail in the afternoon, Joyce was always just a phone call away. On the other side of road was Barb Toppmeyer (deceased), who would never pass up a card game, or a glass of wine and conversation with Jeanette in the evenings or anytime.
Jeanette is survived by her daughter Patricia Mossman of Godfrey, Illinois and sons William (Joan) Held of Golden Eagle, Illinois and Michael (Linda) Held of Godfrey, Illinois. Nine Grandchildren, Jeff (Amy) Mossman, Ret. Major Ryan (Ellen) Mossman, Dr. Barry (Jennifer) Mossman, Erin Held, Wesley (Sarah) Held, Renee (Willie) Rose, Andrew (Ellen) Held, Patrick (Haley) Held, and Katelyn (Craig) Kinder. Great Grandchildren, Blake, Camden and Addison Mossman, Bryson, Nolan, Griffin and Callan Mossman, Parker, Tyler and Olivia Mossman, Liam, Madelyn and Lily Held, Charlotte, Anderson and Emmy Kate Rose, Augustus and Lillian Held, Emery and Elijah Held, Theodore and another Baby Kinder due in January. Brothers, Leonard (Betty) Fortschneider and Gary Fortschneider, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her great granddaughters, Abigail and Emma Mossman and sister-in-law Kathy Fortschneider.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Gress, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Brussels, Illinois. Funeral mass Friday, November 22, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Brussels, Illinois. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home
