Jeffrey Paul Jenne was born in Highland, IL, on September 17, 1960, to Wanda Lyons and Elbert Jenne. He departed this world on April 18, 2025, at Cox Health South in Springfield, MO; surrounded by his family. He was 64 years old.
Jeffrey grew up in Greenville, IL. He worked for many years as a bulldozer operator alongside his father, Elbert. He married Kimberley Gaffner on September 3, 1977, Jeff was just 16 years old, and Kim was 17. They shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. Jeff was a lifelong dairy farmer in both Illinois and Missouri. In 1980, he and Kim started the family dairy farm in Greenville, IL, before moving to Worden, IL for 35 years. The farm eventually found a forever home when they moved the family and the farm to Cabool, MO, in 2016. Jeff and his son, Byron, were partners in the farm. He loved being outdoors, whether on a tractor, hunting, fishing, gardening, or mowing. Jeff and Kim often enjoyed sitting on the deck, listening to their chickens. One of Jeff’s greatest passions was birdwatching, especially his hummingbirds. He would often tell Kim, “Don’t eat all your popcorn. I need to feed the cardinals.”
Jeff was eagerly looking forward to his yearly canoe trip with his family. One of his favorite memories was helping his children and grandchildren exhibit their cattle at local and state fairs. If you ever worked with Jeff, you’d understand why his family affectionately called him “Mister Safety.” Just ask Kim—she has more than a few stories. She often joked that she had to worry about him from the moment he woke up until he went to bed.
Jeffrey was preceded in death by his parents, Wanda and Elbert, and his older brother, Stanley.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberley; his son, Byron, and wife, Jen of West Plains, MO; and his daughter, Jennifer, and husband, John Goestenkors of Pocahontas, IL. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Emma Jenne, Sara Jenne, Anna Jenne, Elbert Jenne, and Cheyenne Goestenkors; one great-grandchild, Rosalie Guy; and his beloved dogs, Delilah and Bruser.
A Graveside Funeral service for Jeffrey will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Willow Springs City Cemetery with Pastor Scott Williamson officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com.
