Jean Saunders Obituary

Jean Ann Kracht, the daughter of George C. and Lulu (Tigges) Kracht was born on the family farm south of Peterson, on July 26, 1931. She was the sixth of ten children. She grew up on the family farm where they became a very close-knit family. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s United Church of Christ. She graduated from Brooke Consolidated School where she played basketball.

In 1953 she began working as a bookkeeper for Northwestern Light & Power Co. in Peterson. On June 30, 1957, she married Bruce Edward Saunders at St. John’s Church. They became the parents of five children: Alan, Gloria, Jon, Kevin, and Dawn. She became a stay-at-home mom, but also did the bookwork for B & J Service for many years. She became a caregiver for Bruce when he suffered a disabling stroke in November of 1980 until his death in 1993.

Raising five athletic children, Jean was active in the Pee Wee Stand, working and furnishing food, and enjoying many bags of popcorn. She was a 77 year member of the Peterson American Legion Auxiliary, serving as treasurer for many years and carrying a flag at the Memorial Day Services. She was a long time, active member of Peterson First Congregational Church. She served as treasurer of Sunday School, active in Women’s Fellowship, and sent many cards to church members unable to attend services. She participated in Peterson Heritage tours dressing up in costume and working at the historical sites.

Coffee at Sue’s Diner and Mike’s were a special daily time with friends and neighbors. She loved to attend the kids and grandkids sporting events and school activities. She enjoyed crocheting afghans for her kids and some of the grandkids. She loved tending her flowers and roses, especially numerous geraniums which she brought inside in the fall and planted back outside in the spring. She enjoyed watching the neighborhood birds, squirrels, and deer. Family members enjoyed her Christmas boxes of fudge and homemade candies and the family “famous” potato salad.

Over the last seven years, Jean’s children have shared the blessing of keeping her in her home as she fought Alzheimer’s, passing away peacefully in her sleep on June 6, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bruce in 1993, and all nine of her siblings and their spouses. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Alan (Rhonda) Saunders of Peterson; Gloria (Lyle) Goettsch of Peterson; Jon (Lenore) Saunders of Marion, SD; Kevin (Laurie) Saunders of Peterson; and Dawn (Jeff) Anliker of Manson; 20 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Nancy Wright of Laguna Niguel, CA; many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A special thank you for the many cards, letters, visits, meals, and friendship that truly touched our lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Peterson American Legion Auxiliary or Peterson CRU

To view the service live go to: https://player.memoryshare.com/video/jean-saunders-spencer-ia