Jeanette Followwill, age 91 of Belmond, Iowa, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026. She was born September 10, 1934 in Manly, Iowa, the daughter of Irving and Anna (Kaiser) Meyer. Jeanette attended North Iowa Teacher’s College pursuing elementary education. Jeanette met Milton L. Followwill (Pete) in Belmond, Iowa and the two were married in 1956. Together they closed the Clear Lake Surf Ballroom dance floor down many a weekend. They made their home in Belmond where Jeanette owned and operated her own pre-school for 15 years.
While raising their family in Belmond, Jeanette was an integral part of her church’s ladies group volunteering her time in any capacity needed. She also enjoyed baking, snowmobiling, sewing, and golfing. Many of her most requested recipes can be found amongst the pages of the local cookbooks which were compiled annually.
Her creativity was endless and spilled over from crafting in her monthly craft club, to sewing projects--like tents for her great grandchildren, organizing new and unique preschool activities, and creating comical skits. Many an elaborate skit was concocted at her kitchen table—planning and writing, creating costumes and props, practicing and performing—all with the help of her good friends many of whom were enlisted to perform in some way or another. These legendary skits and friend gatherings—often infused with music, which stoked fun and laughter and forged even stronger friendships throughout the years with their crew.
From spring to fall, Jeanette’s numerous flower gardens boasted a wide variety of beautiful blooms which graced the fairway of the 7th hole at Belmond Country Club—a course on which she and Pete played many rounds. It was a lovely backdrop for numerous family pictures throughout the 42 years she lived on Fairway Drive.
Jeanette was part of the United Methodist Church of Belmond Choir for 68 years. She loved to sing and was asked to be the vocalist for countless weddings and funerals. Her soprano voice was still singing strong in not one, but two local choirs prior to her passing.
Jeanette cherished time with her family above all else. She and Pete spent time visiting Texas, Wisconsin, and Minnesota to be with them whenever possible. Throughout the years, they also hosted family at their Cornelia Lake home, Ahwatukee, Arizona home on the golf course, and eventually the Good Life Retirement Resort in Mesa. Making family a priority allowed Jeanette to form close, special bonds with her adult children and their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, a blessing for all.
At 89, Jeanette moved to Albertville, MN to be closer to family. Here she discovered her love of watercolor painting, a new talent she didn’t know she had! The cozy German apartments of Engel Haus were the perfect fit for her to continue the things she enjoyed like card games, crafting, singing, and cheering on her favorite sports teams. Most importantly, she was surrounded by family and friends, which was the ultimate accomplishment.
Jeanette—better known as “Binga” to her grandkids in the North and “Minga” to her grandkids in the South—will be deeply missed. She was a lady with class, the best listener, the most helpful friend, and the most thoughtful and detailed person in the room. Those who knew her well will no doubt recall the quick and witty banter she could give with a twinkle of mischief and a hint of laughter in her eyes. She was simply the best.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband Pete Followwill and grandson Thomas Followwill. She is survived by her children Julie Hegge, Jerry (Kim) Followwill; grandchildren Anthony (Barb) Hegge, Andrew (Jessie) Hegge, Sam (Fancy) Followwill; great-grandchildren Bryce, Wesley, Bella, Melchizedek, Lidewij, Nova, Caspian, Pierce, and Connor.
She was loved fiercely and will forever be missed!
Funeral services for Jeanette Followwill will be held on Sunday, January 18th, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at the Belmond United Methodist Church in Belmond, Iowa. Pastor Laurene Banza will officiate.
Interment will follow at the Belmond Cemetery in Belmond, Iowa.
Casket Bearers will be Anthony Hegge, Andrew Hegge, Jim Suntken and DuWayne Abel.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home in St. Michael, Minnesota is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com
Funeral services for Jeanette Followwill will be held on Sunday, January 18th, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at the Belmond United Methodist Church in Belmond, Iowa. Pastor Laurene Banza will officiate. Interment will follow at the Belmond Cemetery in Belmond, Iowa.