Jean Treinen, 1955-2019

Published 1:00 am Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Jean Marie Treinen, favorite sister, cousin and friend, died Monday, Oct. 14, 2019, at Parkview Care Center in Wells.

Jean Treinen

She marked her 64th birthday on Oct. 11, and spent the week celebrating with her family. Sunday was the last party with a concert and root beer floats for her fellow Parkview residents. She died early the next day.

An informal celebration of life will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at The Bean Coffee Club in Wells. All friends of Jean’s family are invited to attend. Funeral and burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 26 in LeMars, Iowa. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 25 with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Mauer Funeral Home in LeMars.

Jean was born Oct. 11, 1955, to Merle and Wilma (Raetz) Treinen. She was baptized at Holy Name Church in Marcus, Iowa. She lived a full life surrounded by her family. Her parents were pioneers in establishing services for special needs children. Whenever Jean reached a new stage in her life, a program was ready for her public school education, recreation programs, sheltered workshop and group home — all established in her community with help and the hard work of her parents Merle and Wilma.

Jean was a planner and communicator. In spite of her disability, she was a contributing member of society. She received Employee of the Year at Life Skills Training Center in LeMars, where she worked for over 40 years. Jean brought out the best in all who knew her. She will be remembered as the favorite cousin who attended parties and reunions wherever they were held. On her last trip to California she was greeted like a rock star by nieces, nephews and cousins. She knew everyone’s name and could explain how they were related and where they lived.

Jean moved to Parkview Care Center in May 2018, where she received loving care. Her family appreciated how Jean became a favorite to so many of the Parkview staff.

Jean is survived by her brother, Michael Treinen, of Des Moines; and sisters Maren (Mike Hayes) of Seattle, Ann (Scott Goodmanson) of Albert Lea, Lea (Mark Nowak) of Wells, Laurie (Pat Stroud) of Danville, California, and Joyce (Tom Galvin) of Holstein, Iowa. Jean will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, their spouses and children.

She was preceded in death by her parents Merle and Wilma Treinen; and one sister, Kathy Lathrop-Turk.

Memorials are preferred to Life Skills Training Center in LeMars.