Jean Wiele, 71, of Waterloo, died at Allen Memorial Hospital on Sunday, February 15, 2009, following an extended illness.

Jean was born September 21, 1937 in Muscatine, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Dorothy (Cockerill) Hammer. She graduated from Muscatine High School and Muscatine Junior College.

Jean married Warren Wiele on June 22, 1957 in Muscatine.

Jean loved the Lord and strove to live for Him daily. Jean’s commitment was demonstrated by her faithful teaching of the Sunday School class for 2 and 3 year olds for over 40 years. She also served by providing Wednesday night child care, helping at the Academy and by planning for and teaching Vacation Bible School. By ensuring the children were well cared for, Jean made it easier for parents to attend services. Her desire was to be an example to others of our Lord’s servitude and raising a Christian family.

Nothing gave Jean more pleasure than being with her family. Jean and Warren recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary and prepared a lovely storybook and DVD full of memories, pictures and stories of their life and many journeys. Their love for each other and for family is known and celebrated by all that know them. Jean loved family time and worked hard to ensure each child and grandchild had special memories. There was a custom designed birthday cake for every grandchild to enjoy on each birthday. For holidays, Grandma would prepare puzzles and quizzes for the family.

Entertaining friends and traveling were two of Jean’s other passions. She took great delight in planning parties and entertaining folks at home. Jean loved to travel with Warren and their friends. They visited many parts of the world, including Alaska, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Israel and many others. Of course, all of these events, with the possible exception of Christmas and some birthdays, were carefully planned not to interfere with a Hawkeye’s football or basketball game.

Whether it was traveling together, sharing books, casual dinners, parties or serving at church, Jean’s desire was for others to be loved, to be comfortable and taken care of. Her love for our Lord, her family and her friends is her legacy.

She is survived by her husband Warren of Waterloo, son Gary and his wife Michelle of Ankeny, Iowa, and their children: Ben, Hannah, Rachel, Jesse and Micah; son Randy and his wife Katherine of Dallas, Texas, and their children: Brandon, Amanda (Tyler), and Emma; daughter Sandy Wiele of Peoria, Illinois; son Larry and his wife Jody of Waterloo, and their children Andrew and Margaret; and her sister Donna Soll and her husband Bill of Tennessee.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents and brother Warren Hammer.