Reynolds, Jean Hanna

Jean Hanna Reynolds, 64, of Marion, died at home Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, in the loving presence of her family. Visitation will be Friday at Faith Lutheran Church, Marion, from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, officiated by Pastor Paul Amlin and Pastor John Albertson. Burial will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids is entrusted with arrangements.

Surviving are her husband, Jon Reynolds of Marion; and her family members: Robert Hanna (Debra) of Swisher, William Hanna (Susan) of Newhall, Calif., Mark Hanna of Cedar Rapids; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. H.E. Hanna of Springville.

Jean was born July 20, 1948, in Cedar Rapids, and grew up in Springville. She graduated as valedictorian from Springville High School and went on to receive her B.A. and M.Ed. degrees as well as additional postgraduate hours from the University of Northern Iowa. After graduating, she taught at Van Buren School in Cedar Rapids. She met her husband, Jon, at UNI, and they were married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Dec. 22, 1973.

Following their marriage, Jean and Jon moved to Karamursel, Turkey, where Jean served as a volunteer elementary teacher and Jon served as residence life administrator at the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Dependent School. She and Jon continued their employment at U.S. Air Force bases in Zaragoza, Spain, and Torrijon, Spain, near Madrid. They later served at the DOD Bahrain School in the Kingdom of Bahrain. She completed 30 years of dedicated service to the DOD as an elementary teacher. When Jean and Jon moved back to the United States in 2004, she registered as a substitute elementary teacher in the Linn-Mar School District.

Jean had numerous hobbies, including playing the piano, attending live theater, cooking, traveling, reading, and singing in the church choir. She had a keen sense of color and was skilled in artistic arrangement and interior decorating. She also enjoyed participating in Cedar Rapids Antique Car Club of America activities, where she would dress in period costumes and ride beside Jon in a variety of beautifully preserved pre-1930 automobiles.

Jean loved children and had an insightful understanding of human nature. A true educator, she had the ability to draw out the hidden gifts and talents of others. She immediately connected with her students and drew them in with magic tricks and funny stories. To add to their delight, she sometimes dressed in colorful, exotic costumes. She radiated an unconditional love for her students, and in return, she was beloved by her many students around the world and all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Linn-Mar Foundation, 2999 North 10th St., Marion, IA 52302 or to Faith Lutheran Church, 155 Boyson Rd., Marion, IA 52302.

Online condolences may be directed to www. cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Published Sept. 2, 2012 in The Gazette