Jeannen McMillan was a woman of deep faith, strong will, selfless giving, and infinite love for her family. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
Jeannen Francis Finley was born August 14th, 1946, to Francis and Marjorie (Hedstrom) Finley. She grew up on the family farm in rural Inkster N.D. where she learned the value of a hard day’s work and the art of a hearty yet delicious meal at her mother’s side in the kitchen. She often spent time with her treasured grandparents Andy and Florence Hedstrom where she learned how to play cards, a pastime she’d enjoy for the rest of her life.
After meeting Jon McMillan at a local dance she knew she’d found her match and they married a year later on June 11th 1966. They spent the next 59 years together mostly on their farm in rural Fordville N.D. raising three boys, Jason, Jarrod, and Nathan. She imparted on them her core values of hard work, a belief in right and wrong, picking a team and sticking with them even if they lose (like her Vikings), and that the spoon goes next to the knife on the right side of the plate… even if it wasn’t going to be used.
Jeannen’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church first in Inkster then Fordville where she was the pianist for over 50 years as well as a member of the Ladies Aid and Eastern Star. She also shared her faith with numerous bible study groups over the years including leading discussions at the Park River Good Samaritan home where she volunteered for many years.
A graduate of the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in social studies she was an extremely intelligent woman. While raising her boys she put that degree to use as a substitute favored by teachers who knew she could be relied on to keep students in check and even do the odd bit of grading if necessary. Later in life she was able to fully embrace her love of educating by working at Fordville-Lankin H.S. as a Title program teacher helping students that were struggling with various subjects. Her caring, determination, and intelligence were on full display when she taught herself Algebra II because “some of her kids needed a little help”. After transitioning to the position of Social Studies instructor she was able to share her love of politics and current events while teaching them the ins and outs of democracy. She treasured her students dearly and in return they kept Mrs. Mac young at heart.
Food was also a defining element of Jeannen’s life. As such, if you found yourself with your feet under her table you could be guaranteed not to walk away hungry and invariably treated to something delicious. Her love of cooking was legendary and she enjoyed reading cookbooks like most people enjoy a good novel. Holiday meals at the McMillan house could be counted on to be kingly feasts. You needed to sneak a bite from your plate while passing a dish lest you not get to eat anything for the first 15 minutes as varied foods made their way around the immaculately set table.
While her passion may have been cooking, Jeannen’s greatest joy came from her grandchildren. She often said she got as much enjoyment from listening to their laughter as being part of it. She could frequently be found playing solitaire on her computer while they giggled away watching a movie with Grandpa, the smile on her face evidence she was appreciating the show every bit as much as they were. The passing on of treasured family traditions such as Christmas cookie baking was also a must, each grandchild would be conscripted into service as soon as they could see over the counter when standing on a stool. Not only was the care she had for her grandkids imbued in all that she did, it is literally wrapped around them in the forms of the many master-level quilts she created for each of her beloved. She leaves a legacy of love that will be with them always.
Jeannen is survived by her husband of 59 years Jon, her three sons Jason (Tammy) McMillan, Park River, ND; Jarrod (Becky) McMillan, Fordville, ND; and Nathan McMillan, Grand Forks, ND. Seven grandchildren Cody (Emily) Boyle, Misty (Jimmy) Praska, Drew McMillan and Maci McMillan; and Jamye McMillan, Emma McMillan and Elyse McMillan, and six great-grandchildren Caprice, Poppy, River, and Sage Praska, and Gigi and William Boyle. She also leaves her brother William (Kay) Finley, sister Darcie St. Vincent, brother-in-law Albert Salinas, and many nieces, nephews, beloved cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Carol Salinas.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Fordville Lutheran Church. Friends may gather at the church for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Fordville, ND in the spring. Live stream will be available of the Tollefson Funeral Home website.
Jeannen Francis Finley was born August 14th, 1946, to Francis and Marjorie (Hedstrom) Finley. She grew up on the family farm in rural Inkster N.D. where she learned the value of a hard day’s work and the art of a hearty yet delicious meal at her mother’s side in the kitchen. She often spent time with her treasured grandparents Andy and Florence Hedstrom where she learned how to play cards, a pastime she’d enjoy for the rest of her life.
After meeting Jon McMillan at a local dance she knew she’d found her match and they married a year later on June 11th 1966. They spent the next 59 years together mostly on their farm in rural Fordville N.D. raising three boys, Jason, Jarrod, and Nathan. She imparted on them her core values of hard work, a belief in right and wrong, picking a team and sticking with them even if they lose (like her Vikings), and that the spoon goes next to the knife on the right side of the plate… even if it wasn’t going to be used.
Jeannen’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church first in Inkster then Fordville where she was the pianist for over 50 years as well as a member of the Ladies Aid and Eastern Star. She also shared her faith with numerous bible study groups over the years including leading discussions at the Park River Good Samaritan home where she volunteered for many years.
A graduate of the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in social studies she was an extremely intelligent woman. While raising her boys she put that degree to use as a substitute favored by teachers who knew she could be relied on to keep students in check and even do the odd bit of grading if necessary. Later in life she was able to fully embrace her love of educating by working at Fordville-Lankin H.S. as a Title program teacher helping students that were struggling with various subjects. Her caring, determination, and intelligence were on full display when she taught herself Algebra II because “some of her kids needed a little help”. After transitioning to the position of Social Studies instructor she was able to share her love of politics and current events while teaching them the ins and outs of democracy. She treasured her students dearly and in return they kept Mrs. Mac young at heart.
Food was also a defining element of Jeannen’s life. As such, if you found yourself with your feet under her table you could be guaranteed not to walk away hungry and invariably treated to something delicious. Her love of cooking was legendary and she enjoyed reading cookbooks like most people enjoy a good novel. Holiday meals at the McMillan house could be counted on to be kingly feasts. You needed to sneak a bite from your plate while passing a dish lest you not get to eat anything for the first 15 minutes as varied foods made their way around the immaculately set table.
While her passion may have been cooking, Jeannen’s greatest joy came from her grandchildren. She often said she got as much enjoyment from listening to their laughter as being part of it. She could frequently be found playing solitaire on her computer while they giggled away watching a movie with Grandpa, the smile on her face evidence she was appreciating the show every bit as much as they were. The passing on of treasured family traditions such as Christmas cookie baking was also a must, each grandchild would be conscripted into service as soon as they could see over the counter when standing on a stool. Not only was the care she had for her grandkids imbued in all that she did, it is literally wrapped around them in the forms of the many master-level quilts she created for each of her beloved. She leaves a legacy of love that will be with them always.
Jeannen is survived by her husband of 59 years Jon, her three sons Jason (Tammy) McMillan, Park River, ND; Jarrod (Becky) McMillan, Fordville, ND; and Nathan McMillan, Grand Forks, ND. Seven grandchildren Cody (Emily) Boyle, Misty (Jimmy) Praska, Drew McMillan and Maci McMillan; and Jamye McMillan, Emma McMillan and Elyse McMillan, and six great-grandchildren Caprice, Poppy, River, and Sage Praska, and Gigi and William Boyle. She also leaves her brother William (Kay) Finley, sister Darcie St. Vincent, brother-in-law Albert Salinas, and many nieces, nephews, beloved cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Carol Salinas.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Fordville Lutheran Church. Friends may gather at the church for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Fordville, ND in the spring. Live stream will be available of the Tollefson Funeral Home website.