Blakely, Jean Marie

Jean Marie Blakely, 86, died Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, at Atrium Village, Hills, following a brief illness. Services will be at a later date in Cuppy's Grove Cemetery near Harlan.

Jean was born April 5, 1923, at Prairie Rose, in rural Shelby County, Iowa, to Alvin L. and Sylvia Mae (Rold) Christensen. After graduating from Harlan High School in 1940, she married Floyd T. Blakely on Aug. 13, 1941. Floyd and Jean farmed at Harlan until 1951, when they moved to LeMars. Jean had a busy life - briefly taught school, was a 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher, volunteered for the Red Cross, the Floyd Valley Hospital Auxiliary, sewed for Handicare in Coralville, and loved gardening, quilting, swimming and traveling. She was a longtime member of the Methodist Church. Most of all, Jean loved her family and friends.

She worked at the LeMars Flower Shop for seven years, purchasing it in 1959, and operated it until 1971. During this time she was active in the LeMars Chamber of Commerce, the Siouxland Florist Associaiton and the Society of Iowa Florists. After selling the business, she and Floyd lived in Rock Rapids for two years, then back to LeMars until 1987, when they retired to Iowa City.

Preceding Jean in death was her husband of 68 years, Floyd; her parents; infant daughter, Judith; brothers, Alvin Jr., Earl, Kenard and Richard Christensen; and her sister, Jacqueline Dinesen Petry.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Jerry Blakely (Karen) of Carlsbad, Calif.; daughters, Karen (Rex) Daubenberger of Iowa City, and Mary (John) McDonald of LaCresecent, Minn.; grandchildren, Michael Blakely (Marni), Peter Blakely ( Marla Sarkozy), Lisa Johnson (Paul), Kari Allen (Robb) and Kelly Wardwell (Chris); and nine great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made in her honor to the Salvation Army or to Atrium Village, Hills.