Jean Deloris Newman (née Anderson) passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 9, 2026, at Vintage Hills in Indianola, Iowa, where she had resided since January 2026.

Jean will be lovingly remembered by her brother, Larry Anderson (Jeannie) of Kansas City, Missouri; her son, Kent Newman (Kathy) of Des Moines; her daughter, Kim Newman (Kevin) of West Des Moines; and her son, Kerry Newman (Jill) of Overland Park, Kansas. She also leaves behind grandchildren Marshall who preceded her in death; Signe, Taylor, Anders, and Claire; great-grandchildren Izola, Galon, Abel, Harriet, and Quinn; extended family; and many dear friends who will remember her warmth, kindness, humor, and caring spirit.

Jean was born on January 5, 1933, on the family farm east of Essex in Page County, Iowa, to Hazel Swanson Anderson and Harry Carl Anderson. She grew up on the farm, surrounded by the strong values of faith, family, and hard work that would guide her throughout her life.

Jean was especially proud of her Swedish heritage. Her father and maternal grandparents immigrated from Sweden, and Swedish traditions remained an important part of family life. Jean fondly remembered hearing her parents speak Swedish at home and treasured the recipes, customs, and stories passed down through generations. She faithfully subscribed to and read Sweden in America (later called Nordstjernan) throughout her life.

Jean attended Goldenrod Country School in Fremont Township and Essex Junior and High School before transferring to Red Oak High School for her final two years, where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen. She later attended Northwest Missouri State College for two years. Music was always part of Jean’s life, and she shared her talents by playing piano and organ at both school and church.

Jean met Duane Newman in confirmation class at Fremont Nyman Lutheran Church, and the two were married there in 1953. Jean taught elementary school in Red Oak and Bedford, Iowa, between 1953 and 1954. During Duane’s Army service in the Korean War, they lived in Long Beach, California.

Their son, Kent, was born in Red Oak in 1955, and shortly afterward the family moved to Ames while Duane completed his master’s degree in wildlife biology at Iowa State University. Daughter Kim was born in Ames in 1957. The family later moved to Spooner and then Superior, Wisconsin, in 1958, where Duane worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Between 1958 and 1962, Jean taught as a substitute teacher. Their son, Kerry, was born in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1960. During these years, Jean devoted herself to raising her children and creating a loving home for her family.

In 1963, the family moved to Ottumwa, Iowa, when Duane accepted a position with Upjohn Pharmaceuticals. Jean quickly became involved in the community, selling Avon products, participating in Ottumwa Community Theater, and enjoying bridge and golf with friends. In the spring of 1969, the family relocated to Indianola, Iowa, where they purchased a home on Hillcrest Drive near the Indianola Country Club.

Although Jean and Duane later divorced in 1983, Indianola became Jean’s longtime home and the center of many treasured friendships and activities. She worked at Simpson College, including serving as office manager to the college chaplain and dean of students. She also worked for Systran Co., which provided teaching services for English as a second language.

In 1979, she earned her real estate license, building a long and successful career with First Realty Better Homes and Gardens in Indianola. Jean had a natural gift for conversation and connection, and she genuinely enjoyed helping people find homes and feel welcomed in the community. She remained active socially and professionally working in real estate into her early 80s.

Jean was known for her warmth, grace, and deep love for family. She was a devoted and supportive mother who took great pride in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her home was welcoming, filled with flowers, plants, art, and food that reflected her caring nature. She loved gardening and especially enjoyed being surrounded by her many potted plants. Jean also enjoyed preparing cherished Swedish family recipes and hosting family gatherings.

She remained active throughout her life as a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, PEO, Des Moines Metro Opera Guild, Indianola Concert Series, several bridge groups, and the Red Hat Ladies, valuing the friendships and fellowship those groups provided. Her Christian faith was a steady guiding presence throughout her life. Jean found comfort and community through her church and quietly lived out her faith through kindness, generosity, hospitality, and care for others.

She also loved following Iowa State Cyclone sports, often listening closely to games on the radio and especially enjoying the commentators and stories surrounding the teams.

Above all, Jean will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, sense of humor, and genuine love for family and friends. Her gentle warmth, caring heart, and steadfast faith left a lasting impression on all who knew and loved her.

Visitation with the family will be at 11am Saturday June 6, 2026, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1410 W Boston Ave, Indianola; followed by the memorial service at noon; and reception luncheon at 1pm.

Memorials in memory of Jean may be directed to the Ministry Work Fund at Redeemer - https://www.redeemerindianola.org/giving.