Memorial
“One life on this earth is all that we get, whether it is enough or not enough, and the obvious conclusion would seem to be that at the very least we are fools if we do not live it as fully and bravely and beautifully as we can.”
Jean (Warthen)(Jenkins) Schlemmer, 75, of Anamosa, passed away in her home with her loved ones on May 9, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. A visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Stateroom. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 15 at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Entombment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Jean was born October 1, 1948, to Wray and Gladys Warthen. After graduating from Anamosa High School, Jean went on to work many jobs. Some include CNA work, adult/childcare, waitress, cook, St. Lukes, and Walmart. All in the realm of taking care of others.
In 1970, Jean married her soul mate Steve Jenkins. Jean and Steve went on to have two children, Jennifer (Rick) Radabaugh and Jeff Jenkins. When Jean had children, she spent most of her time being the “home” maker and raising her children. Jean said goodbye to Steve in July of 2009 to his battle with COPD.
Later in life, sharing their grief in losing a spouse Jean met Keith “Slim” Schlemmer and they married in November of 2013. They shared in their life experiences, their losses, and their loves. They were married 10 years before Slim passed away in July 2023.
Throughout her life Jean enjoyed crafting of all kinds, the outdoors, watching and nourishing things to grow whether it be her children, her friends, her family, or her garden. She had her own way of making sure you knew she loved you. Whether is be her very encouraged “opinions”, her asking you to help her with something she was capable of handling, cooking, or one of her many crafts. Jean had a way about her that always made you feel welcome. She told it how it was, and always found a way to make you laugh. May we all remember the feisty, stubborn, caring, loving woman she was.
Jean was preceded in death by her husbands, Keith and Steve; parents, Wray and Gladys; brothers, Ron, Dale, Ernie, and Tim; sisters, Joann, Joy, and Joyce. She is survived by her children, Jenny (Rick) and Jeff; her grandchildren, Kayla (Taz), Andrew, Cameron, Ashley, Zach, and Joesph; brothers, Dewayne (Pam) and Al; sisters, Judy, Janet (Dick), Janice (Bob), Jerrie; great grandson, Noah, and many nieces and nephews.
“Perhaps passing through the gates of death is like passing quietly through the gate in a pasture fence. On the other side, you keep walking, without the need to look back. No shock, no drama, just the lifting of a plank or two in a simple wooden gate in a clearing. Neither pain, nor floods of light, nor great voices, but just the silent crossing of a meadow” – Mark Helprin.