Jeanne Cleo Koestner (Jan. 4, 1919 - Aug. 7, 2007) was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Aug. 7, 2007.

She was born in St. Aignan, France, on Jan. 4, 1919.

Jeanne was the eldest of nine brothers and sisters: Gerry, Mary, Betty, Julia, Nancy, Ann, Jim and Joe King. A child of the Great Depression, she learned the values of hard work and sacrifice which stood her in good stead throughout her life. Jeanne worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C., while her fiance fought in World War II.

She married Wallace (Dutch) Koestner in January 1945. Jeanne ran a nursery school along with raising her own three children, Lex, Jana and Dan. Tragically, she lost her husband Wallace, Centerville’s Postmaster, in a traffic accident in the winter of 1962. So at the age of 42 she determined to resume her education and moved to Ames to obtain her teaching degree, all the while supporting and nurturing three kids. Jeanne retired after 16 years of teaching fourth grade in Ames and in 1983 moved to Phoenix, Ariz., to be closer to her family.

Jeanne was known for her kindness, thoughtfulness, hospitality, enthusiastic energy and her positive personal approach to people and situations. A memorial service was held in Phoenix, Ariz., Aug. 25. Cards may be sent to Shephard Valley Lutheran Church, 1500 West Maryland Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85015

Survivors include two sons, Lex Koestner and Dan Koestner; her daughter, Jana Malone; grandchildren, Molleigh, Danica, Rachel Koestner; great-grandchild, Cory Tomlinson; sister-in-law, Virginia Koestner; brothers and sisters, Gerry (Don) Ladendorf, Julia (David) White, Nancy Elliott, Ann McDowell, Jim (Kathy) King.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Koestner; sisters, Mary Pickering and Betty Glenn; and a brother, Joe King.