Jeannette Marie (Line) Pesta passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Meadow Place Assisted Living in Long Prairie at the age of 88. A visitation in Jeannette's honor will be held from 3:00-6:00 PM on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Clarissa. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Shepherd of the Valley with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarissa, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.

The world became a better place on June 16, 1936, when Jeannette was born. She was born to Lorenzo and Evelyn (Ellestad) Line in Bertha, MN. She grew up in Clarissa, MN and graduated from Clarissa High School. Following graduation, she began working as a teller at the bank in Clarissa before moving to Minneapolis. Jeannette continued in the banking industry there for about a year and then returned to Clarissa. She worked at Farmer’s State Bank and served Clarissa and the surrounding communities, helping many people with their finances over the years. Jeannette listened to people, never judging, but offering sound advice and an efficient presence. Trusting wasn’t just a quality Jeannette encompassed, but it was who she was to the core. There wasn’t a single person who wouldn’t trust her genuineness after meeting her.

Jeanette met her soulmate, Kenneth Pesta, and they were married at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Clarissa in 1955. Kenny’s personality complimented Jeannette’s wonderful qualities and they each had a true partner in life. The couple lived in Clotho for a few years before purchasing their home in Clarissa. They were blessed with two sons, Richard and Bryan. While raising her sons and until the day that she died, her patience was unwavering. Although Jeannette was the rock and center of her family, she never made anything revolve around her own needs. She was an amazing mother full of grace and her children would not change anything about her. Jeannette’s top priority was her family and she loved them tremendously.

Jeannette and Kenny cherished every moment spent together. They volunteered to drive together for Todd County Social Services. The people they transported always reached their destination with a full stomach and words of encouragement. She also volunteered her time to be a member of the CentraCare board. Jeannette enjoyed socializing and had an amazing love for others. She embraced everyone with open arms and gave everyone she met the benefit of the doubt. She was not materialistic but was described as consistent, calm, and respected. Besides helping and visiting others, Jeannette enjoyed walking around their farm, tending to her flowers, bowling, working on hardanger embroidery, and was known for cooking great lutefisk and sloppy joes. To know Jeannette was to love her and she will be deeply missed.

Jeannette is survived by her sons, Richard (Sally) Pesta and Bryan (Tanya) Pesta; grandchildren, Caitlin, Thomas, Brittany, Brandon, and Alec Pesta; great-granddaughter, Kayleigh Pesta; brothers, Jim (Linda) Line and Lawrence (Janice) Line. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenny; and siblings, Shirley Pesta and Glenn Line.