Jeanne Kathleen Dempster, 94, formally of Oelwein, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2018 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at the Geilenfeld Funeral home in Oelwein. Funeral services will be on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 10:30 am at the Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein with Rev. Connie Markle officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for the Taylor House Hospice or VFW Post # 1725 in Oelwein.
Jeanne was born on February 27, 1923 in Oelwein, the daughter of William and Josephine (Albright) Irwin. She grew up in Oelwein and graduated from Oelwein High School in 1941. On July 18, 1943 Jean was united in marriage to Russell Dempster at the Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein. Jeanne was very active in her church and the VFW Post 1725 Auxiliary as well as a volunteer for many other activities. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, VFW Post #1725 Auxiliary and American Legion Post #9 Auxiliary. In her spare time she enjoyed bowling, golf, knitting, crocheting and traveling. She also was a good seamstress, making her daughter’s wedding dress. But her greatest love was her family. She will be dearly missed.
Jeanne is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Melvin) Little of Des Moines and a son Russell (Trish) Dempster of Ankeny, three grandchildren, Ryan (Samantha) Dempster, Derek (Jessi) Dempster and Aleksandra Little, two step grandchildren, Peter (Sarah) Gumina and Abby (Matt) House, three great grandchildren, Natalie, Layla and Rebecca Dempster, two step great grandchildren, Leo and Luca Gumina. A sister-in-law, Dorothy Irwin of Yuma, AZ, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Russell (1987), three brothers, Walter Irwin, Jack Irwin and William, Jr.( in infancy), a sister, Eleanor Womack, and her parents, William and Josephine.