Jeanne C. Walsh

Jeanne Charlotte Walsh was born on December 10, 1940, in Moline, Illinois, to Albert and Magdaline "Linda" Van Cleemput.  Jeanne died on Friday, October 16, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family. 

Jeanne graduated from Alleman High School in 1958 before going on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from Marycrest College. She dedicated her career to education, teaching in the Davenport Community School District and at St. Alphonsus, where she taught hundreds of children over the years and was known for her love of teaching and her gift for helping young people learn and grow. She kept countless letters from former students and their families, each one a testament to the impact she made on their lives. Jeanne was a longtime member of St. Alphonsus Parish and a devoted member of its choir. But Jeanne's creativity could never be contained by a single classroom. Years ahead of her time, she became an entrepreneur when few women were encouraged to, opening The Mind's Eye, an art store she founded with two partners that also hosted adult education classes throughout the community. There was no artistic medium she was afraid to try; her creativity touched everything she made.

Jeanne married Donald James Walsh on August 25, 1962, and together they raised five beautiful children. Jeanne and Donald later divorced, and Jeanne went on to meet the love of her life, Bill Prunchak, whom she married on July 17, 2002. Together, Jeanne and Bill built an extraordinary life filled with love, joy, faith, family, and friendship.

A devoted mother, grandmother, teacher, artist, and problem solver, Jeanne's greatest joy was always her family. She was especially proud to be the mother of four Eagle Scouts, a remarkable accomplishment that reflected her unwavering support and dedication to her children. In recognition of her years of service and commitment to Scouting, Jeanne was honored with the Silver Beaver Award from the Illowa Council.

Jeanne is lovingly survived by her husband, Bill Prunchak; her children: Martin Joseph Walsh (Cheri); Daniel Patrick Walsh (Linda); Dr. Wendy Diane Walsh (Brian Neville); Dr. Andrew Van Cleemput Walsh (Monica); and Matthew James Walsh (Christa). She is also survived by Bill's children, Billy, Melissa, Michelle, Melinda, and Brad; grandchildren: Ashley, Brenna (Zach), Jacob (Michaela), Sarah, Lucas (Olivia), Ada, and Robin; sixteen step-grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren; her half-brothers, David Arter (Kim) and Jim Arter; along with many extended family members, dear friends, and generations of students whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Magdaline "Linda" Van Cleemput; her first husband, Donald Walsh; her infant son, Joseph Peter Walsh; an infant granddaughter, Tara Lynn Walsh; and her half-brother, John Arter. May they all rest in God’s eternal peace.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jeanne will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Davenport. Burial will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation will be held at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport from 4 until 6 p.m. on Wednesday with additional visitation on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until Mass begins at church.

Memorials may be made to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church or to St. Joseph's Indian School in support of children's education.

Jeanne's life was one of faith, creativity, entrepreneurship, service, education, and unconditional love, not only for her own family, but for every child whose life she touched. As a teacher, she nurtured young minds; as an entrepreneur, she built something of her own at a time when few women were given that chance; and as an artist, she never met a medium she wouldn't try. In every sense of the word, Jeanne was a creator: of art, of opportunity, of possibility for herself and for everyone around her. That spirit was a hallmark of who she was, and a truly standout quality for a woman of her generation. Her legacy will live on through the lives she touched as a teacher and artist, the family she cherished, and the values she instilled in generations to come.