Eugenia “Jeanie” E. Griese, 83, formerly of Cameron and Abingdon, died at 8:46 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026, in the emergency room of OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.
She was born February 25, 1943, in Galesburg, the daughter of Willard and Alberta (Holsinger) Malone.
She is survived by two sisters, Pat Potenziani of Azle, Texas and Betty Rosenberry of Abingdon; three nieces, Teresa (Tom) Irons, Barbie (Phillip) Day, and Pam Potenziani; a nephew, Brian Ritchey; great nieces, Jessica (Ben) Ketchum, Katie (Tucker) Stephens, and Alexandrea Day; great nephews, Daniel (Sarah) Irons and Brady Potenziani; and three great-great nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers-in-law, Peter Potenziani and Robert Rosenberry; and a nephew, Bradley Ritchey.
Jeanie graduated from Galesburg High School in 1961. She went on to attend and graduate from Illinois State University in 1969. She was a teacher at the former Coldbrook School for 13 years, at the former Nielson School for nine years, and then the Galesburg Christian School for a year before retiring from teaching. Following retirement, she worked as the director for Starting Point in Monmouth.
Jeanie was a member of the Abingdon Christian Church and attended the Cameron Christian Church. She was active in both churches in many capacities. She was also involved in many events outside of the local churches, including attending Quadrennial International Christian Women’s Fellowship four times at Purdue University. She was a member of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association and a past member of the Knox County Retired Teachers Association. Jeanie enjoyed volunteering with the Carl Sandburg College Adult Literacy Program, the Abingdon Food Pantry, and the John Mosser Public Library. In her free time, she enjoyed working crossword puzzles and reading.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Abingdon. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Bob Malone officiating. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon Christian Church or Feed My Lambs. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
