5/18/1949 – 1/23/2026
Lawrence
Jeanne Pauline (Messenhimer) Haider passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, in her hometown, Lawrence, Kansas.
Jeanne was born on May 18, 1949, in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of Kenneth and Claudine Messenhimer. She grew up in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1967. She went skydiving in 1968.
Jeanne graduated from Emporia State University in 1971, with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She moved to Kansas City, Kansas and started her teaching career in the K.C.K. School District. She taught at the elementary level from 1972 through 1978. She married Larry Haider in 1976.
In 1978, Jeanne and Larry moved to Denver, Colorado. Jeanne continued her teaching career in the Denver School District. Jeanne and Larry divorced in 1982. In 1990, Jeanne received her Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lesley College. In 1993, Jeanne received her Administration Certification from the University of Denver.
Jeanne’s teaching career spanned over 32 years. She also served on many committees and boards in her field of expertise. She volunteered her time to worthy causes.
Jeanne had many other interests. She liked to travel within the U.S. and to other countries. In 1991, she accompanied her parents on a trip to Germany and Norway, with a visit to her brother who was stationed in Norway. She worked in customer service for Frontier Airlines for a while after she retired from teaching. She was a huge fan of the Denver Broncos. She was an avid skier. She liked concerts at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. She ran in the BOULDERBoulder 10k Run six times. In 2015, Jeanne decided to move back home to Lawrence, Kansas. She enjoyed being back in Lawrence and being with family and friends.
Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents.
Jeanne is survived by: Sister, Janice (Messenhimer) Tusten and Bill, Olathe, KS; Brother, Kenneth Messenhimer and Nora, San Antonio, TX; Sister, Terry Messenhimer and Dr. Marc Hardin, Lawrence, KS; Sister, Debbie Messenhimer, Lawrence, KS; Sister, Cindy (Messenhimer) Nickerson and Gary, Arvada, CO; Aunt, Pauline Davis, Olathe, KS. Also, three nephews: Ryne Tusten, Kenny Messenhimer & Kevin Messenhimer; three nieces: Christianne Del Vecchio, Katie Bavender & Cassie Nickerson, and all their respective families. J.P., you will be missed!
Many thanks of appreciation go out to: Dear family friend Charlene Hodge, Dr. Jodie Barr and the staff of the Lawrence Cancer Center, St. Croix Hospice and the entire staff at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, St. Croix Hospice or Lawrence Humane Society.
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