Jeannette Marie Mittag (Arens), 92, of Austin, joined her beloved husband, Connie, in heaven on Feb. 5, 2012.

Born in Austin’s “Dutchtown” on June 28, 1919, Jeannette was the youngest of 13 children of Joseph Arens and Mary (Mayer) Arens and the last surviving member of her immediate family. She married Conrad Mittag on Feb. 22, 1951, and together they raised five children, all of whom will miss her greatly: Mary Mittag-Miller (Russ Miller) of Golden, Colo., Julie “Bunk” Mittag of Austin, Lori Mittag (Jeff McNaught) of Minneapolis, Susie (Jim) Alker of Rochester and Brian (Lise) Mittag of Austin. In addition to her children, Jeannette’s pride and joy were her grandchildren: Sarah Miller, Emma Mittag-Arboe, Cavan and Paddy Mittag-McNaught, Benjamin and Michael Alker, Brandon Hall and Erin Mittag. Jeannette was primarily a homemaker, but also worked at Hormel, Tradehome Shoe Store and The Shopper. She was particularly adept at sewing and knitting, hand-making many of the clothes for her children. She was at her very best entertaining on special occasions and holidays — her home always open to family and friends. Her legendary Spam macaroni salad was the highlight of many July 4 gatherings. Her Thanksgiving turkey and dressing defined the holiday. And, no one made a better cherry pie. An avid card player, Jeannette relished those special times with her friends. A dedicated mystery novel reader, she could have easily ghost written for Mary Higgins Clark , if she had only asked. Jeannette was also a devoted Twins fan. Her family had the pleasure of taking Jeannette to her first Twins game during their inaugural season at Target Field where she saw her first major league homerun in person. Jeannette will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The family wishes to thank the outstanding staff at St. Mark’s rehabilitation unit, assisted living facility and the therapy department for their attentive care and friendship they provided Jeannette. The family also wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and assistants at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin and hospice care. A special thank you to the Sacred Heart Home Health Care workers for Jeannette’s many years of personal care.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Gregory Parrott officiating. There will be a 4 p.m. CCW rosary and a 6:45 p.m. wake service on Friday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. The family will also greet friends at a luncheon following the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the family.