Jean Heintz, age 78, of Wichita, KS, and formerly of Nevada, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, surrounded by her family, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Nevada, with burial to follow in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday at Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada, with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m. 

Anna Jeannine Johnson Heintz was born February 18, 1938, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the daughter of Everett and Lucille (Pulley) Johnson. She graduated from Zearing High School in 1956.  Jean married the love of her life, Adrian Edward Heintz, on October 12, 1957.  The couple made their home in Nevada and was blessed with three children.  Adrian passed away in 2005.  Jean was a resident of Nevada for over 50 years.

Over the years, Jean was secretary to the Dean of Home Economics at Iowa State University, worked at Home Plastics in Des Moines, and was secretary to the Superintendent of Schools in Nevada.  She retired from Nevada Public Schools, having worked there for 30 years.  Jean was active in the community and in politics. She was a member of the St. Patrick’s Immaculata Study Club, served on Parish Council and as the Altar and Rosary Council secretary, and also was the church secretary and organist.

Jean was the Story County campaign manager for Robert Kennedy, began the Candy Striper program at Story County Hospital, and was a member of the Kansas City Angel Club.  She enjoyed teaching piano lessons, playing cards with friends, working puzzles, all kinds of crafts, creating computer publications, collecting angels, and all things chocolate.

Of all her activities, however, Jean’s family provided her the greatest joy.  She will be remembered as a woman who loved her family dearly.  Jean also enjoyed socializing, organizing, being available to lend a helping hand, or to sit and chat with family and friends.

Survivors include her three children, Eddie Heintz of Napa, CA, Tim Heintz and his fiancée Wendy Herndon of Takoma Park, MD, and Jamie Heintz and his wife Carla of Wichita, KS; nine  grandchildren:  Delia Rogers, Esperanza Heintz, Matthew (Kelsey) Heintz, Lee Anne Heintz, Courtney (Ryan) Snyder, C.J. Heintz, Bethany Heintz; and two great-grandchildren, Mason and Harper Snyder.  She is also survived by a sister, Pat Johnson Gildersleeve of Omaha, NE; five sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

In addition to her husband, Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Lucille Johnson; a brother, Kempton Johnson; three brothers-in-law; and three nieces.

Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Jean and her family.  Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Cemetery, 1110 11^th Street, Nevada, IA  50201.