Jeanene Helen Doran

Jeanene H. Doran, lovingly known as Jeanie, passed away on October 7, 2024. Born on May 20, 1934, in Litchfield, Minnesota, she was cherished by her parents, Leonard and Eleanora Shoultz. She was also the beloved granddaughter of Philip and Helen Werner and William and Minnie Shoultz. Deeply rooted in her community and cherishing her family connections, Jeanie often spoke of her great grandfathers Ludwig Shoultz, a Civil War Veteran, and Erhardt Lenhardt, owner of both the Litchfield Lenhardt-Shoultz Brewery and Lenhardt Hotel in Litchfield. She proudly passed this rich family history on to her children, grandchildren, niece and nephew, as well as all the younger members of her extended family.

Jeanie grew up in the wide, tree-lined Evergreen Park neighborhood of Litchfield, where she created countless happy memories with her little brother Bill and their loving parents, along with many aunts,uncles, cousins, grandparents, neighbors and friends. Her passion for music began early, studying piano with the Benedictine nuns at Saint Philip's Convent, and playing the pipe organ for the choir in the 1940s and 1950s. 

After graduating from Litchfield High School in 1952, she pursued her dream of teaching at St. Cloud Teachers College and went on to teach 4th grade and music in Sartell, Minnesota. In 1957, Jeanie married Frank Doran and moved to St. Paul, where she embraced her role as a devoted mother to her sons, Michael and John. She filled their lives with laughter, adventures, and unforgettable musical moments. 

Throughout her life, Jeanie held various jobs, including managing the family-owned Inwood Resort on Gull Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota, and working at Cardiac Pacemakers (now Boston Scientific), where she was responsible for the accuracy of engineering drawings and specifications. Later, she proudly received a heart pacemaker from Boston Scientific. She also served as a music therapy assistant at Courage Center and as an activity coordinator/music specialist at Maplewood Care Center, where she played a wide range of instruments, including autoharp, ukulele, and piano/organ, both at work and around the Twin Cities.

Music was always the center of Jeanie’s life. She played piano at church and community functions in both the St. Paul/Minneapolis area and Litchfield, and she was one of the founding members of the contemporary music group Life Song at St. Odilia Catholic Church. Jeanie generously shared her love of music by teaching folk music classes in the community and playing with various classical piano and string groups, and performing with folk music groups. Jeanie also was a passionate advocate for civil rights, environmental causes and legislation, and women’s rights throughout her life. She had the privilege of meeting many influential figures, including Gov. Rudy Perpich, Walter Mondale, Ted Kennedy, and Jane Fonda. 

After retiring in 1999, she returned to her hometown of Litchfield, where she continued to bring joy to others through her music, performing regularly at local nursing homes, community events, and church services. Jeanie brought her love of music to the Emmanuel/Bethany homes, where her parents, aunts, and uncles lived out their lives. At one point, her father, Leonard Shoultz, along with two aunts and two uncles, were all living at Emmanuel. These gatherings often became occasions for family celebrations, including her father's annual July 4th birthday parties.

Jeanie remained deeply involved in her community through organizations like the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the GAR Hall/Meeker County Historical Society (where she was a lifetime member), and the Opera House Association (where the piano bench from her childhood still resides). She had a special interest in researching and recording her family history. As an advocate for the senior population, Jeanie wrote many articles and letters to the editor and served on advisory committees for the Wellness/Recreation Center and the Downtown Committee. She continued volunteering for as long as possible, and in 2015, at age 80, she received the Meeker County Senior Citizen of the Year award.

Jeanie is survived by her two sons: Michael Doran (Beth Diedrich) of Roseville and John Doran (Debra) of White Bear Lake. She adored her grandchildren: Sean Doran (Vanessa), Sharron Jean Doran (Galen Bell), Shannon Rose Doran Krissey (Kyle), Mike Cloutier, and Stephany Moffett (daughter of Jamey and Ben Diedrich). Her great-grandchildren, Jasper James Doran and Eliza Gail Doran, were a source of immense joy for her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved daughter Mary Margaret, grandson Ben Diedrich, special cousins DeDe Cox Revering and John Cox, and many aunts, uncles, and friends. Jeanie is also survived by her brother Werner William (Bill) Shoultz and sister-in-law Kathy, along with niece Rebecca Jean Shoultz Stanton, and nephew Christopher Shoultz.

Jeanie’s warmth, love, and spirit will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. A celebration of her life will be held to honor her incredible journey, filled with love, music, and unforgettable moments. Jeanie shared this passage from Golden Years to bring us peace: 

"Thank You, God, for all the treasures in my life. For the tender love of family and friendship, rich and true. For sweet memories and the preciousness of living, I give thanks unto You. Amen."

"Holy God, remind me that success is not measured by the many things I have acquired in my life. Success is the ability to laugh often, to gain the affection of family and friends, and to know that one life has been made brighter because I cared."

As Jeanie would fondly say, "Peace be with you. See ya later, alligator. Adios amigo. Auf Wiedersehen." 

At this time, no services will be held.