Jeanette M. Tschetter, age 96, of Sioux Falls and formerly of Huron, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026 at Good Samaritan Assisted Living-Prairie Creek in Sioux Falls.

Her memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron, SD. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, October 16, 2026 at the church. Her service will be live-streamed thru https://www.mtcalvaryhuron.org/livestream

A family burial will occur at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery prior to the service at the church. 

Jeanette Mae Walter was born on May 24, 1930, in Huron, South Dakota, the first daughter of Joe K. and Amelia (Walz) Walter. She was later joined by four sisters, Verlyn, Karen, Judy, and Cheryl. The five sisters grew up on the family farm, where they learned the importance of family values, hard work, faith, and the love that comes from being surrounded by family and friends.

Jeanette graduated with the Class of 1948 from Huron High School. Living in rural Huron made commuting to school difficult, so during her high school years, Jeanette worked for room and board for two families, Eddie and Qwen Stahl and Gideon “Jake” and Loraine Hofer. Her willingness to work hard and help others was a reflection of the character she carried throughout her life.

During a picnic, Jeanette met Iky Paul Tschetter, a friend of her Uncle Mike Walter, who was home from the Navy. Jeanette and Iky were married on June 13, 1948. Together they raised five children: Randy, Jory, Jeanine, Kevin, and Brett.

Jeanette was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved to bake and was always happy to share her recipes. She was a wonderful cook and made sure all five of her children learned how to cook. Her kitchen was a place where food, stories, laughter, and love were shared freely.

Jeanette worked at Tschetter & Hohm Clinic in Huron and later at Rapid City Regional Hospital in the nursery. The pediatricians encouraged her to help establish a newborn nursery, knowing how much Jeanette loved caring for babies. Her love for newborns eventually became a family business when she and Iky operated a daycare, Net’s Nest, caring especially for newborns.

Faith was an important part of Jeanette’s life. She was a confirmed member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Yale, South Dakota, and was also a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron. She was active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and found joy in serving others through her church and community.

After retirement, Jeanette and Iky enjoyed traveling and spending their winters in Mesa, Arizona. Iky passed away in September 1994.

While in Mesa, Jeanette met Harold Schmelpfenig. They were married in January 1999. Together they continued to enjoy winters in Mesa while spending time in Huron and Sioux Falls. Harold passed away in January 2013.

Jeanette’s love for babies never faded. She volunteered in the nursery at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, where she could often be found rocking and caring for babies. She had a special tenderness for children and treasured every opportunity to hold and comfort a newborn.

For the last five years of her life, Jeanette lived at Good Samaritan Assisted Living-Creekside. She enjoyed the friendships she made there and was grateful for the love and kindness shared with her by residents and staff.

As Jeanette grew older, she often spoke about her desire to meet Jesus face-to-face. On September 11, 2026, she received the greatest joy she had been looking forward to—meeting her Lord and Savior.

Jeanette leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith and love. She was the beloved mother of five; Randy (Cathie), Amherst, VA., Jory (Bonnie), Evergreen, CO, Jeanie Greenwood, Sioux Falls, Kevin (Cindy) Sioux Falls, Brett (Carrie) of Pierre, grandmother of 13, great-grandmother of 30, and great-great-grandmother of 16, with more great-grandchildren on the way.

Her family is deeply thankful for the love of Jesus that she instilled in them and for the countless ways she showed that love throughout her life.

Jeanette was proceeded in death by her parents, husbands, sisters Verlyn Anderson and Karen Mammenga, son Kevin, son-in-law Doug Greenwood, grandson, Daron Therkildsen, and a great granddaughter Jessalyn.

God blessed her family through the gift of Jeanette, and her memory will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, where she longed to be.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23