VANDENBOSCH, Jean 1925-2004

VANDENBOSCH

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 12/23/2004 at 10:32:48

Jean VanDenBosch, 79 of Fertile died Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004, at the Hospice of North Iowa Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

According to her plans, a remembrance and celebration of Jean VanDenBosch's life will be held Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Fertile with Pastor Curt Gallmeyer presiding. A private inurnment will be held at the Grant Cemetery at a later date with Ward VanSlyke Funeral Home of Clear Lake in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Family suggests memorials to Fertile Church of Christ or Hospice of North Iowa.

Jean Ouverson was born January 30, 1925, to Harley and Edith (Humphrey) Ouverson of Fertile. After graduation from Fertile High School, Jean pursued her interest in aviation obtaining her commercial pilot's license. She continued training for a period of time at the Aviation Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, before returning to Fertile. Those living in North Iowa in those days still speak of the times Jean was heard and seen soaring above their communities in her Piper Cub. She married Wayne "Butch" VanDenBosch on April 19, 1947, at the Church of Christ in Fertile, Iowa. To this union four sons were born. After many years, the marriage ended in divorce. To further her education in later years, Jean completed requirements for her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. She worked as the bookkeeper for the family owned business of Fertile Valley Hatchery for over 30 years as well as assisting in the overseeing of the general operation. In more recent years she was the bookkeeper for The Petal Shoppe in Clear Lake, Iowa until her retirement in the late 90s. During Jean's declining health in recent years she has enjoyed the fellowship and assistance of many of the community members of Fertile who have so willingly helped meet her needs. Of special pleasure to her was the morning coffee group at the Downtown Café. During more active years, she enjoyed gardening, music, reading and cooking, however, she will be foremost remembered for her devout Christian Faith. She was a life-long member of the Church of Christ in Fertile where she served for many years in various capacities including Sunday school teacher, Superintendent of Christian Education, Christian Women's organization, and choir member.

She is survived by her four sons, Bob (Toby) of Mason City, Mike (Karen) of Iowa City, Tom and Scott (Kelly) both of Strawberry, Arizona; seven granddaughters, two grandsons and one brother, Bob (Betty) of Fertile.

Family members in heaven welcoming her home for Christmas are her parents and a grandson.

Source: Forest City Summit, December 15, 2004, Page B-5