Funeral Mass for Jolene Katherine Jauron, 80, of Indianola, who passed away Monday, January 22, 2024, will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Indianola.  Cremation will follow services and burial of cremains will be in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Jolene was born July 25, 1943 to Alex and Gustie Esser in Earling, Iowa.  Jolene's devout witness to her Catholic faith was nurtured at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earling, where she received the graces of the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Holy Matrimony.  She graduated from Mercy School of Nursing, building a strong foundation in serving the sick, while forging lasting friendships with her classmates.  On September 24, 1966, Jolene was united in marriage to James "Jim" Jauron, which marked the beginning of the beautiful family legacy that she leaves behind.  While her most cherished titles were wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt, Jolene's gentle and loving nature extended to those she served through her vocation as a nurse.  She cared for her patients and the residents of the Good Samaritan Center, where she served in a number of roles, including Registered Nurse, Rehab Coordinator, and the Director of Nursing.

Retirement from the Good Samaritan did not slow Jolene down, as she quickly filled her days with travel and spoiling her grandchildren. She beamed with pride, as she watched them achieve their goals, share their musical, dance, and athletic talents, or simply when she shared photos or videos with friends over a cup of coffee.  She could be found teaching the next generation of nurses at DMACC, enjoying the beautiful beaches of Destin, Florida, hiking, line dancing, and volunteering.  She found great joy and fulfillment in her service and support of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, The Helping Hand, Mary's Meals, and The Hope Foundation.

She is survived by her sons, Jerry Jauron, Jason (Annette) Jauron, Jeffery Jauron and Justin (Lisa) Jauron; grandchildren, Zach Fries, Jacob Jauron, Christian Jauron, Noah Jauron, Jenna Jauron, Kate Jauron, Emma Jauron, Alison Jauron, Luke Jauron, Elizabeth Jauron, Liliana Jauron, and Joseph Jauron; sisters, Mary Ann (Nick) Kenkel, Rose (Don) Thompson, and Alma (Myron) Brewer; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Jim; her parents, Alex and Gustie Esser; sister-in-law, Julie Mortensen; and brothers-in-law, Ron Mortensen and Dick Anderson; and niece, Amy Heffernan.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m., prior to services at the church.  Memorials may be directed to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.