Jeanette Edler Hernandez Kleinpeter

New Iberia – Funeral services will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home at 12:00 pm on Monday, June 30, 2025, for Jeanette Edler Hernandez Kleinpeter, 89, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Entombment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery.

Rev. Keith Landry will officiate.

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home on Monday from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm.

A rosary led by Rev. Keith Landry will be prayed Monday at 11:30 am.

Pallbearers will be Eric Hernandez, Taylor Hernandez, Cade Hernandez, Reece Hernandez, William Bayard and Joshua Herring.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chase Melancon, William Dauterive and Billy Edler.

Like all parents, Jeanette’s greatest fear was losing a child before she passed. She is survived by all four of her sons, Kansas (Aileen), Matthew, Alvin, Jr. (William) and Shawn (Holly); grandchildren, Kristen (William) Bayard, Eric, Aimee, Alyssa (Chase) Melancon, Taylor, Cade, Reece; great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Waylon Melancon; and step-grandson, William Dauterive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Annette Ste. Marie Edler; brother, Fred, Jr. (Laura); sister, JoAnn (John Ray) Herring; half-brother, William Ste. Marie; first husband, Alvin “San Antone” Hernandez; second husband, Lee Kleinpeter; daughters-in-law, Jean Woods Hernandez and Kim Parr Hernandez; plus countless great friends, including her best friend, Mrs. Nicky Buteau.

Jeanette was born in Loreauville, Louisiana on October 1, 1935, to Fred and Annette Ste. Marie Edler. She was a very successful real estate agent and broker for over 40 years and received many awards including realtor of the year, but her greatest accomplishment was her family.

Jeanette dedicated her life to loving and nurturing her family; the love she had for them was unmistakable. Always at the ready for a hug and words of encouragement, she had the ability to see the positive in every situation, unless one of her kids sneezed, as she knew they were deathly ill, or she heard a siren and assumed it was for one of her kids even though three lived in different cities, but had to call each son just to make sure. The love she had for her boys moved onward to her grandkids and great grandkids. They brought so much joy to her life. Dancing with San Antone was always a highlight and when those two were at their best.

She had many friends and loved them all. Her monthly Pokeno group met once a month for over 40 years for intense gamesmanship and constant laughter. Aunt Patsy and mom spoke daily, and Mrs. Nicky was her sister at heart and constant travel companion who was always at her side. Katy Olson and Beth Comeaux’s unique relationship with mom lasted over 50 years. They visited with her often during these more recent, challenging times. Thank you.

And finally, her caregiver Becky Etienne. She and Becky developed a friendship when she needed help attending to Mr. Lee. Once Jeanette needed someone to take care of her, Becky was the obvious choice. She considers Becky family as does everyone else. We are incredibly thankful and appreciative for everything Becky did for her.

Mom was the definition of goodness. She felt empathy for anyone struggling and would do anything to help. She always forgave and loved without condition. Of all the many things she taught us, the importance of family is at the top of the list.

Death is tragic and sad, but mom would not want us to be sad. She would want us to celebrate her life well lived and that is what we intend to do. She will be missed every day by many.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).