Jeanine Vandenberg Obituary (1943 - 2024)

Jeanine (Frenchie) Vandenberg January 31, 1943-August 28-2024 Born January 31, 1943, Jeanine Greta Vandenberg, better known as “Frenchie,” arrived with a flare! The second child of Clement and Jeanette (Ferry) Michel, she, grew up in Forbach, France with two brothers and four sisters. All who knew her realized immediately how dramatic and stylish she was; her winning personality lit up any room she entered. In 1959, Jeanine met a handsome United States Marine, Gilson (Jimmy) Dickey who was stationed nearby. They married in 1961 in Tournebride, France and had three children: John Renard, Karen Lee and Karla Diane. Jeanine became a US citizen on August 25, 1967. In 1984 Jeanine married Edward Omer Vandenberg. They lived in Prairie Village, KS, later retiring to Edwards, MO, where they spent the balance of their adult lives. Over the years Jeanine used her talents at several different companies, including supervising a team in a TV manufacturing plant. She also loved pretty things and had an eye for valuable antiques. She bought and sold antiques and loved finding unique Betty Boop collectibles and hurricane lamps. Her appetite for life, and having a good laugh, made her a favorite of all who met her. Jeanine treasured her community and was a passionate volunteer, spending 16 years as the New Hope Methodist Church treasurer in Edwards. She was an emergency first responder for the local fire department, president of the local VFW, provided for underserved families and donated her time and resources to numerous charities and community events. She was preceded in death by her husband Ed, her parents, brother Robert Michel, sisters Marie-France and Danielle Michel, and her daughter Karen. She is survived by her, son, John (Janis) Dickey, daughter Karla (Rick) Woodward, six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She has many relations in France, including her sister Gisele Guillot-Dauphin (Pierre), brother Denis Michel, nephews Pascale, Guy and Marc Dauphine and their families. Jeanine passed peacefully on August 28, 2024 at The Lodge in North Ogden, Utah. The family extends their gratitude to the staff for their love, care and compassion. Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 28 at 11am at New Hope Methodist Church, 33020 Butter Hollow Road, Edwards MO 65326. Her church community was a central part of Jeanine’s life; in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the New Hope Methodist Church in her memory.