Jean Quaas

JEAN KATHRYN QUAAS

Alburnett

Jean Kathryn Quaas, 96, of Plentywood, Mont., formerly of Alburnett, died peacefully Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, at Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home in Plentywood. Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at Alburnett United Methodist Church, by the Rev. Jon C. Moss. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Murdoch Funeral Home in Marion. Burial: Lafayette Cemetery, rural Alburnett.

Jean is survived by her children, Scott Quaas (Kathy) of Bedford, Ind., Karl Quaas of Alburnett and Pat Bolles of Plentywood, Mont.; nine grandchildren, Michelle Proskovec (Brett), Marcus Quaas (Cindy), Logan Quaas, Liam Quaas, Shane Howe, Emily Daly (Mike), Jared Bolles (Toni), Carrie Crutcher (Joe) and David Bolles; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Lois Kenny of Anchorage, Alaska; cousin, Phil Kahler (Louise) of Whitehouse, Texas; and many family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul; an infant son, David; son, Michael; and son in-law, Gary Bolles.

Jean was born Dec. 3, 1919, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, daughter of Dr. Roy E. and Hazel L. (Applegate) Leidigh. She graduated from Marion High School, attended Coe College and graduated with a degree as a registered nurse in 1943. Jean completed her nurses training at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. With friends from training she went to Chicago and worked at Wesley Memorial Hospital on the polio ward. Jean joined the Army Nurse Corps in January 1944 and was a first lieutenant when discharged. Jean married Paul W. Quaas on June 7, 1945. They made their home in Iowa, eventually living on one of the family century farms on Old Quaas Road.

She was a member of Alburnett United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women's Group, and had a full and satisfying career in nursing. She worked at St. Luke's in many areas of the hospital, especially enjoying OB/GYN. She worked with Dr. Brendel in Central City in his office and then as head nurse at the Linn County Home until she retired in 1984.

Jean enjoyed music, knitting (known for her dish cloths), gardening and reading. Her potato salad was always the requested item for family gatherings. She was the pianist for many of the community's events and also the church, playing awesome piano/organ duets with her friend, Dorothy Sherman. She loved to travel and spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Your smile brought joy to our lives, may the wind carry you home.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Kirk Stoner, the staff at LaCasa Personal Care and Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home, all of Plentywood, Mont., for their love and care during Jean's stay after her stroke.

Please share a memory of Jean at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.