Jean Ellen Schaefer passed away on Oct. 23, 2024, at her home in Blue Grass. She was 69 years old. Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life for Jean will be held Nov. 9, from 2-4 p.m. at Bentley Funeral Home in Durant. A time of sharing will be held at approximately 4 p.m., following the celebration of life. A private family burial will take place in Blue Grass Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to King’s Harvest Pet Rescue or the American Heart Association in her memory.
Jean was born on Oct. 9, 1955, in Davenport to Elmer and Marcella Schaefer. She grew up on her now generational family farm near Blue Grass, milking the cows daily and participating in other chores with her brother Randy. Every August was always marked by sweet corn harvests; though the hours-long days of shucking, cutting, cooking and bagging corn were arduous, those 60+ years of rituals formed core family memories.
Graduating from West High School in 1974, Jean became a licensed respiratory therapist and started working at St. Luke’s Hospital, Davenport, in 1980. Jean had a very fulfilling career and went out of her way to mentor others and sponsor new employees. She completed her Registered Respiratory Therapist studies while working full time and was active in the Iowa Heart Association, teaching CPR for many years in medical offices and hospitals. Additionally, Jean worked for HillRom Vest Company, Minneapolis, Minn., to train patients on the use of respiratory vest devices. Jean retired from Genesis Medical Center in 2020 after over 43 years of service. She touched many people’s lives with her jovial laugh and positive personality, always the first to interject with a clever joke or comment. Well known and well liked in her job, among both colleagues and patients, Jean never met a stranger.
Jean was an avid football fan, cheering especially loudly for the Iowa Hawkeyes and closely following her nephews’ school sports. A particular memory she often recounted was traveling to St. Louis with two of her nephews, Rick and Ryan, to attend their first major league baseball game. The boys can’t recall who won the game that day, but they vividly remember their hotel and car ride shenanigans with Aunt Jean. She was also the aunt who brought armloads of gifts to Christmas, always ensuring that the boys’ remote-control cars were pre-charged and ready to go.
A world traveler, often with her friend Cindy, Jean visited too many places to mention, her most outstanding adventure occurring on an African safari in Tanzania where, in a jeep, she was chased by a huge elephant stampede. Another escapade included sailing over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon and seeing all five of the big animals of Africa. During a sunrise breakfast in the Serengeti with her balloon ride group, her passions for travel and respiratory therapy intersected. As a British man suddenly began choking on bacon, Jean and her friend ran to his aid and administered the Heimlich maneuver, saving his life. He remained a friend for many years.
Jean’s travels enriched her life; other journeys included seeing the ruins in Pompeii, and embarking on a polar bear excursion in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. She also traveled all of Europe and went on many cruises, including a Hawaiian cruise, awarded by Genesis Medical Center after being chosen for her outstanding service and loyalty.
She is survived by her brother, Randy (Kathy) Schaefer of Blue Grass. She also leaves behind her beloved nephews: Dr. Ryan (Jennifer) Schaefer of Walcott, Rick (Lindsay) Schaefer of Blue Grass, and Rhett (Kendra) Schaefer of Green Bay, Wis. Her great nieces and nephews (whom she also enjoyed spoiling) include Olivia Schaefer, Hayden Schaefer, London Schaefer, Myles Schaefer, Leighton Schaefer and Laila Schaefer. She loved her nephews with all her heart and was immensely proud of her family. She is also survived by her good friends, Cindy Bell and Claire Bure. She was preceded in death by her parents. Rest peacefully, Jean. You made a difference in this world, and your loved ones’ memories of you will never fade.
Custom obituary