Jeanne Louise Bogardus, age 79, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Sheboygan, WI on
March 6, 2024.
Her family encourages you to visit https://www.ballhornchapels.com/obituaries for a complete
story of this remarkable woman’s life to be posted soon.
Jeanne was born in Springfield, IL in 1945 to Adam Henry Bogardus and Mae Louise Snodgrass
Bogardus. She attended school at Lincoln Elementary and Feitshans High Schools in Springfield,
IL before graduating from Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL and completing graduate school at
the University of Michigan Institute of Gerontology.
While Jeanne’s life experiences were extensive and varied, she was most noted for her work as
the Executive Director of the Marin Arts Council for 19 years, and 20+ years as a producer,
event coordinator, artistic director, fundraiser, grant writer and marketing/fundraising
consultant for non-profit organizations in the California Bay area. Most recently, following
retirement and a relocation to Sheboygan, WI, Jeanne participated in extensive volunteer work
with the John Michael Kohler Art Center & Art Preserve and Altrusa International (District 7).
Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, sister Nancy Grant and brother-in-law Gerald
(Pete) Grant, brothers David Bogardus and Michael Bogardus, brother-in-law Kenneth Thrasher,
and sister-in-law Gerri Bogardus. She is survived by her sister JoAnn Thrasher, brother Rodger
(Nikki) Bogardus, and sister-in-law Joyce Bogardus. She embraced her role as ‘Aunt Jeanne’ to
her beloved nieces and nephews, who honor and cherish her influential role in their lives: Kent
(Amy) Grant, Marcy Phillips (Marti Eyman), Becky (Mark) Spika, Jeff Bogardus, David (Sheri)
Bogardus, Steve (Sara) Bogardus, Todd (Theresa) Bogardus, Eric (Christina) Bogardus, and Ross
(Jade) Mason. In addition, she will be greatly missed by her grand and great-grand
nieces/nephews and a multitude of very dear friends throughout the country and world.
Jeanne requested that her remains be cremated and that intimate private dinners and
celebrations among family and friends be held. She suggested that donations may be made to
the John Michael Kohler Art Center & Art Preserve, Planned Parenthood, ACLU, or your local
public radio/tv stations and libraries.
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