Jean Van Syoc

Jean Van Syoc

Mount Pleasant

Jean Van Syoc, 97, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, June 19, 2022, at her home. Her precious Lord carried her peacefully to her eternal home.

Visitation will be Monday, July 11, from noon to 7 p.m. at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at the First Baptist Church, 100 East Webster St., Mt. Pleasant. The Celebration of Life (she preferred calling it Graduation Day) will be at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church. The Rev. Steve English will officiate. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. A reception with light refreshments will be held at the church immediately following the burial.

Jean was born to Kathryn Leffler on January 13, 1925 in Burlington, IA. Robert Van Weiss embraced Jean as his own daughter. Jean graduated from Burlington High School, with a great interest in sports. She won a ping-pong tournament in SE Iowa, and even at age 90, it was nearly impossible to return her back-spin serve. She loved all baseball games. The Hawkeyes had her loyalty. She was a voracious reader and was always ready for any kind of card game!

Jean met Marvin Van Syoc, and the couple locked eyes at first sight. They were married at the original First Baptist Church on February 28, 1945. Jean counted the days until Marvin’s return from the army. Their lives beautifully changed when the son, Wayne was born. Daughter Karen arrived soon after, completing their family.

Jean and Marvin farmed near Winfield, IA, for a few years, until they jointly decided to build the auctioneering business with his cousin Harold Van Syoc. Jean and Lucille, Harold’s wife, were integral in the business as clerks. At the same time, they joined the Farm Bureau Insurance Company, which became their full-time interest. Because of their hard work, they were able to travel extensively.

Jean and Marvin designed and built a home on US Highway 218 South. They desired to share their blessings with many dinners, picnics, fishing and lots of community activities. Mission Accomplished!

Jean was the first business manager of the Community Mental Health Center in Henry County and was instrumental with Marvin in the center’s origination on January 13, 1972 (holding the first organizational meeting in their home). She served as the secretary of the support staff of the Community Mental Health Centers’ Association, and as a member of the Mt. Pleasant Mental Health Task Force. She was instrumental in training her new Executive Director and served as an advisor to the Center’s Board of Directors and its committees. For her service, Jean was the recipient of the Iowa Mental Health Association’s Support Staff Award.

Jean was a 77-year member of the First Baptist Church, serving in practically every aspect. Jean and Marvin especially enjoyed working with the youth for many years, many of whom kept in close touch with them. In later years, she, and her BFF Margaret DeJaynes obtained their real estate licenses together (they should have written a book!)

Jean was often found on her knees praying for everyone on her “list.” Chances are, your name was included. She would want to encourage everyone to accept Christ as your Savior and feel His love and grace (please do that so we can all reunite someday). Kids Wayne and Karen love the fact that their parents walked the Christian life instead of merely speaking of it.

Jean fell into the arms of those who preceded her in death: her mother, Kathryn Van Weiss and stepfather, Robert Van Weiss; her precious husband with whom she shared 65 years, their son, Wayne; and many uncles, cousins and precious friends.

Survivors includer her daughter, Karen Doubleday and son-in-law, Dewight “Tete” Long of Mt. Pleasant; grandson, Jeff Van Syoc (Sara) of Minneapolis, MN; great-grandson, Owlyn of Colorado and step-granddaughter, Soma; granddaughter, Kim (Chris) Van Syoc-Lapainis and their daughter, Poppy. Survivors also include many Leffler and an Syoc nieces, nephews and numerous faithful friends, Tete’s daughter, Jan and Erin and their husbands who gave Jean’s world charming great-grandchildren, Brenden, Ethan, Brynnie and Liam.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the First Baptist Church, Every Step Hospice, the Paws Animal Shelter or the Kitten Haven at Vintage Raven. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is assisting Jean and her family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com.