Jean Meyer Obituary

Jean Meyer, 81, of Ackley, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Hansen Family Hospital. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at St, Peter's United Church of Christ in rural Geneva with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley.

While most people are welcomed to Heaven by the sound of trumpets and harps, on July 28, 2025, Jean Meyer was welcomed by the sound of an accordion.

Jean was born on January 22, 1944, to John and Wilma Tjepkes in Ackley, Iowa. She graduated from Ackley High School and attended Ellsworth Community College.

On June 12, 1964, she was united in marriage to Merlin Meyer. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and farming.

Jean's greatest joy came from her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved attending her grandchildren's activities and cherished every family gathering. She held a special place in her heart for her friends, especially her beloved sorority sisters. Jean also took great pride in the challenge of serving the Ackley ambulance. Jean had a passion for decorating, baking, and cooking-particularly during the holidays when her home was filled with Christmas trees, lots of gifts, good food, and laughter.

She was a devoted member of St. Peter's UCC in rural Geneva from which some of her most treasured friendships were rooted and flourished. In later years, she spent many hours talking with her friends on the phone as a way to stay connected and keep in touch with those dear to her.

Jean took great pride in helping her husband on the farm, working alongside him as stewards of the land they loved so much… the Heritage Farm… the place they were blessed to call home. She also enjoyed traveling, especially their trips to the mountains and their annual trips to Branson and Oshkosh, much to her grandchildren's delight, as Grandma Jean was the best at shopping for items her grandchildren "needed".

Left to treasure her memory, is her daughter Ginger (Paul) of Ackley, and her son, Mitch (Holly) of Iowa Falls, with whom she remained close throughout her life. She also shared a special bond with Bob Maiwald, whom she loved and treated as a son. Her legacy lives on in her grandchildren: Kayla (Eric) Myers, Courtney (Justin) Schroeder, Trevor Clawson, Weston Meyer, Koby Meyer, Chase Meyer (Jalissa), and Cambria Meyer; and her great-grandchildren: Lincoln Myers, Fletcher Myers, Kipton Myers, Cash Schroeder, and Ainsley Jean Schroeder. Jean is also survived by her son, Lance, with whom she was long estranged.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Merlin.