Wilslef, Jean B.

Jean B. Wilslef, 89, of Wyoming, Iowa, passed away Thursday, May 20, 2010, at Anamosa Care Center in Anamosa. A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, May 24, at 11 a.m. at Zion American Lutheran Church in Wyoming. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Lahey Funeral Home in Wyoming. Burial will be in the Wyoming Cemetery.

Jean Bernice Jaynes was born March 1, 1921, in Preston, Iowa, to Bernard and Amanda (Westphal) Jaynes. She attended rural Jackson County schools and Preston High School.

On Aug. 10, 1939, she and Melvin P. Wilslef were married in Maquoketa. They lived in the Preston and Clinton area until March 1945 when the couple moved to Wyoming, opened a blacksmith business and raised their family. Melvin passed away Feb. 3, 1985.

Mrs. Wilslef was a member of Zion American Lutheran Church and the Sarah Circle. For 13 years she was employed as a cook at the Little Bear Country Club. Jean was a most devoted mother and grandmother. She was rewarded by steadfast devotion from her family. Hers truly was a life well-lived and she leaves her family with many loving memories. Her children could not have been blessed with a more selfless mother and friend.

Survivors are three daughters, Helma (Rowan) Schultz of Eagle Grove, Ruthe (Ed) Hoover of Shelby, Mich., and Rhonda (Ken) Walters of Wyoming; a son, Norman “Buster” (Donna) Wilslef of Wyoming; a stepson, Marvin Wilslef of Oxford Junction; a son-in-law, John Brodersen of Solon; 14 grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; eight stepgreat-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a daughter, Connie Brodersen; a stepson, Glen Wilslef, three brothers; and two sisters.

Memorial may be given to Zion American Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be left for the family at