Jeannie Marie Paulos

Jeannie Marie (Krembs) Paulos passed away from Alzheimer’s on January 20th, 2024 in Surprise, AZ. She was born on February 19th, 1953, in Sparta, Wisconsin, the youngest of six children. Daughter of John and Mary Krembs, Jeannie was the baby of the family and found entertainment as a small child running around with her big sister. A graduate of Sparta Senior High School, Jeannie played the saxophone in band and excelled in math. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for three years and then transferred to the University of Minnesota where she graduated in 1975 with a BS degree in Management Information Systems. Jeannie was one of the early female Computer Program Analysts, working with several companies including FMC and 3M. It was at UW she met the love of her life, Jim Paulos. A tall, lanky Greek from Milwaukee majoring in Chemical Engineering. They worked together at Chadbourne Hall Cafeteria and would soon find themselves married at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Sparta in 1974. In their fifty years of laughing and loving, they raised their two girls together and ran a marketing communications business in their home. Jim and Jeannie retired to the sunny Arizona desert in 2016, a place they visited often. One of Jeannie’s greatest joys was spending time with her daughters, Laurin and Lisa. She was an attentive and caring mom who helped with homework and ensured family dinner and conversation happened every night, edited papers with red pen making sure they didn’t overuse commas, and always provided a loving touch and listening ear. An enthusiastic cheerleader of the girls’ in their musical, dance and sporting activities, Jeannie brought her characteristic spirit of positivity and warmth to all interactions. She filled her days with music. An active member of multiple community and church choirs, Jeannie shined when sharing her passion for singing with others. Family memories are full of her beautiful voice and infectious laughter. Music was just one way Jeannie embodied her deep faith. Her sense of wonder, her compassion for others, and her fortitude and grace through life’s challenges were just a few of the ways she lived in and shared God’s love. Jeannie traveled frequently with her family to as many as 47 national parks and various other travel destinations, citing the blue waters of Crater Lake National Park as her favorite and most stunning view. Happy to be a co-pilot, she coordinated family car games, sparked sing-alongs, and always kept candy in her purse when it was time for “just a little sweet.” In retirement, Jim and Jeannie treasured their evening sunset drives together. Jeannie will be remembered for her kindness and her ever-present smile. She was a sweet and loving soul who was always willing to chat and lend a hand. An avid volunteer, she desired to give back to those in need, and be there as a support for friends and family. Jeannie’s beautiful smile never dimmed, even as her Alzheimer’s progressed. While it was a long and heartbreaking journey of illness, she spent her days surrounded by family and friends in the comfort of home. As someone who always opened her arms to others, it was a fitting and poignant departure from this life when she died in her husband’s arms. She holds all who cared for her in her affectionate embrace. Along with her husband, Jim, she leaves behind two daughters: Laurin Dodge and Lisa Paulos (Michael Wermers). She is also survived by her sister Margaret M. McCabe (Jim Kovakas) and brother Andrew P. Krembs (Susan), and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Krembs, brothers F. Gregory Krembs, Peter J. Krembs, and Stephen M. Krembs. A memorial and celebration for Jeannie will be planned for later this spring/summer. Donations in her honor may be made to Hospice of the Valley, the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research, or the Giving Voice Chorus.

Jeannie Marie Paulos

January 30, 2024