Hosford, Jean Ann

Jean Ann Hosford, 86, of Marion, formerly of Monticello, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on April 10, 2013. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 15, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Father Keith Birch and the Rev. Al Polito will officiate at the services. Friends may call from 2 until 6 p.m. Sunday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Memorials in Jean's name may be directed to the Monticello Public Library, Marion Public Library or Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids.

Surviving Jean are her husband, Clarence; her six children, Jill Messerli (Dave) of Marion, Jann Baustian (Gordon), Cedar Rapids, Jody Stone (Ted), Cedar Falls, John Hines (Marilyn), Cedar Falls, Julie Kowalenko (Mike), Walkerton, Ind., and Jeff Hines (Lorie), Cedar Rapids; Clarence's two children, Kay Hokanson (Darryl), Urbana, and Rob Hosford (Jan), Fargo, N.D.; grandchildren: Matt (Jacque), Pete and Ben (Jessica) Messerli; Kelly, Casey and Kate Baustian; Alex, Catherine and Andrew Stone; Ali, Johnny and Eric Hines; MacKenzie, Tyler and Jacob Hines; Gretchen Post (Jim); McKenzie Taylor (John); and Abbie Schulstad (Andy); and nine great-grandchildren. Other survivors include siblings, Joyce Gassman, Jan Knapp (Don) and Duane Freese (Jeanette); sister-in-law, Lois Hines; and brother-in-law, Lyle Hosford.

Jean was preceded in death by her first husband, John Hines; son-in-law, Mike Kowalenko; daughter-in-law, Terry Hosford; brothers- and sisters-in-law Paul Gassman, George Hines, Gladys Boshear, and Kenneth Hosford, as well as several nieces and nephews who were very special to her.

Jean was born Dec. 9, 1926, on the family farm north of Monticello, Iowa, the eldest child of Gerhard and Josephine Curtis Freese. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Monticello in 1944 and married John Robert Hines on June 3, 1947. The couple made their home in Monticello, where they raised six children. John died July 12, 1980. Jean was blessed to have Dr. Clarence Hosford come into her life, and they married on July 1, 1991.

Jean taught at a Jones County country school and later enjoyed working as a Tupperware manager for many years. Lifelong friendships were formed during her association with Tupperware.

Jean's spiritual faith ran deep and constant. An active member of Sacred Heart Church for over 80 years, Jean also was welcomed into the First Presbyterian family in Monticello after her marriage to Clarence. Most Sundays they attended services at both churches. Jean belonged to Our Lady of Fatima Study Club at Sacred Heart Church for over 60 years. She enjoyed volunteering with the Pie Ladies at First Presbyterian Church in Monticello and often spoke of the friendships built through both organizations.

Jean's greatest joy was her family. She loved spending summers at the lake home in Crosslake, Minn., where fond family memories were built over the years. She liked nothing better than sharing a glass of wine with Clarence as the sun set on Big Trout Lake. Jean was an avid Hawkeye fan, frequently attending football games on the road and bowl games. She had a love of nature and the outdoors. Jean was devoted to growing and preserving the bluebird habitat in Iowa and spent long hours cleaning and maintaining their houses. Jean had many interests stemming from her upbringing on the farm and enjoyed mushrooming, identifying birds, and cultivating flowers.

Her hobbies included golf, boating, travel and entertaining friends. Jean had a profound influence on her children and grandchildren. She liked nothing more than to hear from them and learn of their latest adventures. Jean was the center of her family and will be greatly missed. Her indomitable spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.

The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Pope, the wonderful staff at Hospice of Mercy, and the caregivers from Home Choice for their superlative care of Jean over the past few weeks.

Published April 12, 2013 in The Gazette