Jeanne L. Wichman, 50, of Seneca, KS, died peacefully at home, on Sunday, January 8, 2012, with her loving family at her side after a battle against cancer.

Jeanne was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on June 2, 1961 to Thomas J. and Rachel A. Pelchet Dempe. Her family then moved to Missouri, and then in 1966 to Washington state, where Jeanne grew up. She attended Sumner High School in Sumner, WA.

In 2000, she moved to Kansas to be with her daughter, Dannyel. She met Robert Wichman and the couple was married on February 14, 2001 and Seneca became Jeanne’s new home. Jeanne was employeed at Koch and Company from 2000 until her health prohibited her from working.

She was a member of the American Cancer Society and the National Wildlife Federation. Her love of animals and passion for horses was enduring. Jeanne lived life “her way” and to the fullest. She was well loved and respected by all. She was free spirited, kind hearted, hard working, spunky, fun, relentless and honest.

She leaves behind her loving husband Robert of Seneca; her devoted daughter Dannyel Kling of Seneca; step-children, Brian Wichman of Japan, Rodney Wichman of Vliets, Derrick Wichman of Hiawatha, Jessica Strathman of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Emily Wichman and Victoria Wichman, both of Hiawatha; three beautiful granddaughters, Jadin, Brooklyn and Kaitin; 10 step-grandchildren; her parents, Tom and Rachel Dempe of Sumner, WA; sisters, Patti Milburn of Camden, DE, Nancy Seger of Bonney Lake, WA and Mary Dempe-Smith of Puyallup, WA; eight nieces and nephews and numerous friends and “adopted” children.

She was preceded in death by a step-grandson, Preston Altas.

A rosary will be prayed at 7 PM Wednesday, January 11, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jeanne’s memory for the Dream Foundation, 1528 Chapala Street, Suite 304, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (www.dreamfoundation.org).