Wallander, Jean

Jean Wallander, 83, passed away Jan. 17, 2012, with her family by her side. A gathering to celebrate Jean's life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Cedar Memorial Park Family Center and Library. Private burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Voshell of Oelwein; six children, Tom (Nancy) Wallander of Cedar Rapids, Jerry (Sue) Wallander of California, Danny (Gayle) Wallander of Colorado, Lori (Les) Schirm of Illinois, Jay (Aylene) Wallander of Cedar Rapids and Terri (Russ Meier) Shakespeare of Cedar Rapids; 14 grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, J.B. Wallander; her parents, Bertrand and Fidela Guite; her brothers, Francis, Kenny and Richard; and her sister, Ginny.

She was born May 27, 1928, in Fairfield, Iowa, to Bertrand and Fidela (Warthan) Guite. She married J.B. Wallander in Stockton, Calif., on Jan. 11, 1947. Over the years she enjoyed playing cards, decorating cakes and spending time with her family which she dearly loved.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Iowa Hospice, St. Luke's Hospital and St. Luke's Hospice for their wonderful care provided to Jean on the last days of her life.

Condolences may be sent to the Family of Jean Wallander, 2500 Worthington Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Jean's family on the webpage,  under Obituaries.

Published Jan. 19, 2012, in The Gazette