Jeannen F. McMillan, 78, of Fordville, ND passed away Thursday March 27th, 2025. A woman of deep faith, strong will, selfless giving, and infinite love for her family her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
Jeannen Francis Finley was born August 14th, 1946, to Francis and Marjorie (Hedstrom) Finley. She grew up on the family farm in rural Inkster N.D. where she learned the value of a hard day’s work and the art of a hearty yet delicious meal at her mother’s side. She met Jon McMillan at a local dance and quickly knew she’d found her match, they married a year later on June 11th, 1966. They spent the next 59 years together mostly on their farm in rural Fordville N.D. raising three boys, Jason, Jarrod, and Nathan.
With faith as her bedrock Jeannen was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church being pianist in Fordville for over 50 years. She actively shared her beliefs with others as a member of the Ladies Aid, Eastern Star, and numerous bible study groups.
A highly intelligent woman with a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota she placed great value in education. A substitute teacher for many years she eventually took a full-time position at Fordville-Lankin H.S. where she taught until retirement.
Jeannen found her greatest joy in her grandchildren. Whether playing games, teaching them how to bake Christmas treats, creating masterful quilts given to each, or just quietly enjoying their laughter her love for them was evident in all that she did.
She is survived by her husband Jon, her sons Jason (Tammy) McMillan, Park River, ND; Jarrod (Becky) McMillan, Fordville, ND; and Nathan McMillan, Grand Forks, ND, seven grandchildren Cody (Emily) Boyle, Misty (Jimmy) Praska, Drew McMillan and Maci McMillan; Jamye McMillan, Emma McMillan and Elyse McMillan, and six great-grandchildren Caprice, Poppy, River, and Sage Praska, and Gigi and William Boyle. She also leaves behind her brother William (Kay) Finley, sister Darcie St. Vincent, brother-in-law Albert Salinas, and many nieces, nephews, beloved cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Carol Salinas.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Fordville Lutheran Church. Friends may gather at the church for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Fordville, ND in the spring. The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.
An online guest book is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com