Jeanette Harless

Jeanette Harless passed away peacefully in her sleep during the early morning of February 19th, 2026 at the Oakview Nursing home in Conrad, Iowa.  She was 96 years old.  A private family inurnment ceremony will be held at a later date. With honor, Adams Celebration of Life is serving the family. 

Jeanette was born at home on May 24th, 1929, in Radcliffe, Iowa, to Henry M. Thompson and Ella A.Thompson, {Fetter}.  She grew up in the Radcliffe community where she attended high school and played 6 on 6 basketball.  She also paid particular attention to a handsome, young Navy veteran who delivered milk to the school and would eventually become her husband.  She graduated from Radcliffe High School with the class of 1947.

On January 28th, 1951, she was united in marriage to Donald E. Harless at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Radcliffe.  The marriage was blessed with two sons, Jeffrey D. Harless and Timothy A. Harless.  Jeanette and Donald celebrated 61 years of marriage before Don’s passing in November of 2012. 

In 1968, Jeanette graduated from Drake University in Des Moines with a degree in Social Science and Elementary education.  Jeanette was born to teach.  She began her career in a one-room schoolhouse located on the road between Hubbard and Radcliffe. The school lacked insulation and was warmed by only a wood-burning stove.  Most children walked to school and, according to many, it was uphill in both directions.  She changed districts several times as schools consolidated and she retired from the BCLUW school system in 1991, ending her 40+ year teaching career.  Jeanette also served as the unofficial family ornithologist.  See or hear a bird you can't identify?  Jeanette would know."

Jeanette is survived by two sons, Jeffrey, and wife Lisa, of Coralville, Iowa and Tim and Renee’ of Eldora, Iowa.  Jeanette was blessed with three grandchildren, Jessica {Wes} Faris of Union, Iowa; Jeffrey C. {Lindsay} Harless of Eldora and Hannah Harless of Austin, Texas.  She also thoroughly enjoyed her seven Great-Grandchildren.  Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandkids or great-grandkids and a good book, which might include a book she authored. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, three brothers, one sister and their spouses, Arnold and Alice Thompson of Tacoma, Washington, Clifford and Mildred Thompson, of Simi Valley, California, Leonard and Elaine Thompson of Radcliffe, Iowa and Arlene and Ralph Reed of Steamboat Rock, Iowa.  Others who preceded her in death include three nephews, Roger and Leslie Reed, Dean Thompson, and niece, Linda Thompson.