Jean (Jeanne) M. Keiter died peacefully at home on April 16, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones, after bravely battling Multiple Sclerosis for decades. Born on September 7, 1946, in Kearny, NJ, to John (Jack) and Evelyn (Jonnie) Heyn, she was the first of three children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Gail and Diane. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Robert (Bob); her daughter, Heather; her sons Dustan and Brandon (Christina); her granddaughter Morgan and many cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Jean graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Des Moines, where she was involved in the Stepperettes drill team; after graduating, she studied Travel at the Travel Institute, earning her Certified Travel Industry Executive designation. Before her retirement, she enjoyed a career in the travel industry, including Younkers Travel, Journeys Unlimited (her own agency), Asia Tours, and taught travel courses at DMACC. Jean also enjoyed being part of the Josephs Jewelers Merle Hay Mall team.
Jean’s love and devotion to her family were her main focus, her proudest accomplishment was her role as wife, mother, and grandmother. Bob was the love of her life, soulmate, and confidant. A true hands-on mom, she was immensely proud of her three children, Heather, Dustan, Brandon, and granddaughter Morgan. She was a friend to all living creatures, she loved her dog, Snickers, and her many grand dogs throughout the years.
Jean was a champion and mom to all, proud of her children, their friends, her family, and her friends for obtaining their goals and getting from life what they wanted, to better themselves and bring happiness to their lives. Their wins were hers, and she burst with pride and happiness when life was good for them. She felt their hurt and pain when life dealt them a curve ball. She kept them in her thoughts and prayers during those hard times and did anything to ease the pain and get them back on their feet sooner rather than later.
Jean was a loving and compassionate woman who was grounded in her faith. She enjoyed lecturing at church and ensured her children and granddaughter were raised with faith and educated in the catholic school.
Jean was a people person and enjoyed meeting and making new friends everywhere she went. She had a positive outlook and spread love, faith and laughter. Her career in travel allowed her to hone her hospitality skills and grow her family of friends.
Jean touched many lives. She was loved and respected and will be missed by many.
Our deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff at MercyOne in-home care and MercyOne in-home hospice. Thank you all for your loving, professional, and dedicated care.
Visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, April 25, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Des Moines, with a mass following at 11:00 a.m., and a luncheon will be served at the church after mass. The burial will follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 p.m..
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jean’s name to the MS Moments organization at www.msmomentsiowa.org or VENMO @MS-Moments.
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel. Online condolences welcome at www.IlesCares.com
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