Another of God’s saints has entered into joy. Jean Martha DeWaard passed into the arms of her Heavenly Father December 28, 2020. She succumbed to renal cancer.
Jean was born one of a set of triplets on October 31, 1942 to Jacob and Jennie Van Eps. Her childhood years were spent on a farm near Hancock, MN. She attended and graduated from high school there and went on to Dordt College.
After leaving college she began teaching in Volga, SD. It was there that she met Donald DeWaard. The two were united in marriage on August 23, 1963. Their union was blessed with three children; Kevin, Susan and Lisa Mae.
The family made their home in several locations including Pella, IA; Newport, Jamaica; and Hancock, MN. After retirement a final move was made to Urbandale, IA.
During her career days Jean worked at Christian Opportunity Center, Hancock Community Schools, the Villa of St Francis, Pella Community Hospital and Heritage Lace. After retirement she enjoyed reading and spending time with family and friends.
Jean is survived by her husband, Don DeWaard of Urbandale, her son, Kevin DeWaard of Urbandale, her daughters, Susan (Chris) Clifton of Ankeny, IA, Lisa Mae DeWaard of Clive, IA, granddaughters Camy and Cassy of Ankeny and her brother and sisters in Minnesota: Jack (Judy) Van Eps of Hancock, Sharon Van Eps of Hancock, Katie (Stan) Erdman of Morris, Joan Jipson of Morris and Joyce Van Eps of Morris and several nieces and nephews.
Waiting for Jean in heaven were her triplet sisters, Janice and Jane, her parents, Jake and Jen, her grandparents and numerous aunts and Uncles.
A service to honor and remember Jean will be held at a later date.
