Jeanne I. Suter Ervin

ERVIN, SUTER, RIEPE

Posted By: Michael Lensing (email)
Date: 12/2/2008 at 19:27:40

Jeanne I. (Riepe) Suter Ervin, 92, of Iowa City, passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2008 in Coralville. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, 605 Kirkwood Ave, Iowa City.

Jeanne was born in Centerville, IA on Feb. 7, 1916 to Edgar and Norma Riepe. She grew up in Centerville with her three siblings. Jeanne began studying the piano at age four and played the piano her entire life.

Jeanne graduated from Drake University in 1936 with a degree in English and taught high school English for two years in rural Iowa until she married. She married William (Bud) Suter in August of 1939 and they settled in Mason City where Bud coached high school and Junior Legion sports and then became a sports announcer for KGLO TV Station. Jeanne was active in the church choir and produced local drama productions. All five of their children were born in Mason City.

The family moved to Iowa City in 1955 when Bud joined the University of Iowa Athletic Department. Jeanne was a substitute teacher for many years in the Iowa City public school system and ended her career as a teacher at the U of I Hospital Schools.

Bud passed away in March of 1974. Jeanne was remarried in 1977 to Robert Ervin. They travelled extensively in the U.S. and Canada and enjoyed 18 years together until his death in 1995.

Jeanne’s interests included U of I sports, music, duplicate bridge, reading, and crossword puzzles. She was a long standing member of P.E.O. The most important focus of her life was family. She was adored by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home was the center of gatherings throughout the years; all were welcome.

Jeanne was pre-deceased by her parents, two siblings, two husbands, her daughter-in-law Lisa, and one grandson, Andrew. She leaves behind her children John Suter (Jedn), Bill Suter, Cynthia Maas (Ed), Steve Suter (Paula), and Tom Suter (Anne). Her grandchildren Michael, Kerry, Sarah, Beth, Tom, Anne, Molly, and Amy will miss their loving “Gaga.” Jeanne also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Jeanne lived her almost 93 years with a love of life, people, and a wonderful sense of humor. Her many, many friends will attest to her spirit of love, acceptance, and kindness. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the hospice group who helped care for Jeanne. They are especially grateful to Mary, Paula, and Polly for their loving attention. In lieu of flowers the family requests any memorial donations be sent to Iowa City Hospice.

On-line condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com