Jean Nielsen Walters (1920-2010)

WALTERS, NIELSEN, TREFZ

Posted By: Nevada Journal
Date: 5/22/2010 at 22:51:18

THE NEVADA JOURNAL, Nevada, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, May 20, 2010.

The 40’s were a time of displacement. After years of living all over the country, Jean returned to her small hometown of Anthon, Iowa. As fate would have it, Robert E. Walters would also return to Iowa after serving in the Pacific, getting a degree from Iowa State, and attending the Univ. of Edinburgh Scotland for a year. Fortunately, the two would meet again at the church across the street from the Nielsen’s home where Bob was speaking about his travels. Jean always suspected her father and Bob had set it up, but her husband would never admit to any complicity. The couple was married that summer. They were blessed with almost 60 years, until the Lord called Jean home on January 8, 2010.

Jean Nielsen Walters of Nevada, Iowa was born on August 3, 1920 to Neils and Gertrude Nielsen in Anthon, Iowa. Jean would receive her first silver cup the next year for baby of the year.

During her high school years, Jean was editor of both the school newspaper and yearbook. She was also voted to represent the boys high school baseball team as tournament queen when they played at the state finals in 1936 and 1937. After high school, Jean attended Wayne State Teachers College in Wayne, Nebraska, transferring two years later to University of Iowa. She received her B.S.C. in 1941.

Jean was self conscious about her height and was always aware she attracted attention. Much to her surprise, in her second year at Wayne she was voted Prettiest Girl on Campus. It was at that point she embraced her height and began to enjoy the advantages it gave her, especially when playing intramural basketball.

Competition was a repetitive theme in Jean’s life. Being very athletic, she played both softball and basketball in high school. As an adult she spent her summers focusing on her golf game and winters playing some serious bridge. In retirement, after not playing golf for many years, Jean won the first “Hole in One” trophy at the Bluffs Spring Olympics. While her body slowed down, her mind never did. Jean was an avid reader.

After college, Jean taught two years at Earlham High School in Iowa. She then left the security of home and boarded a train west. In Riverside, CA Jean secured a civil service position as secretary to the Commanding Officer of the 4th Engineer Aviation Unit. The unit was later transferred to Spokane, WA. After World War II, she was transferred to Fort Belviour, VA where she was employed for two years as the Assistant to the Director of Enlisted Personnel.

Jean was working for the Flood Control Division of the Dept. of Agriculture in Sioux City when she married Bob in 1951. She moved to Nevada where her priority became her family and home. They had three children. Her eldest child, Steve, is an attorney in Winterset, IA. Barbara and her children, Joan and Tyler Trefz, live in Athens, GA. Barb works as a tax accountant, but her greatest accomplishment was giving Jean grandchildren. Jean’s son Jim (Jack) Walters was a recently published author and resided in Iowa City. Sadly, as we remember the life of Jean, we will also be saying our goodbyes to Jim who passed away in March.

*
The Walters have shared over 22 years of retirement together. They have spent their winters in Florida and have returned to Nevada each summer, enjoying long visits with the grandchildren in between. Jean described her life as an “unusually happy” life. Please join her family in celebrating her life. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 29th, at 2:00 at the Nevada United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Nevada Public Library.

http://www.nevadaiowajournal.com
 

Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen