Jeanne Marie Egger, 98
Jeanne Marie Egger, 98, went to be with her Lord on Nov. 10, 2022, after several months of being cared for at a local nursing home. She was born July 3, 1924 in rural Garwin, Iowa, the third daughter of Nellie LaValley Lewis and Lee Ward Lewis. She graduated from Garwin High School in 1942. Her father died of a tetanus infection in October 1933. She married Wendell Charles Egger of Green Mountain on May 1, 1943, in Allison, Iowa, and they made their home in Marshalltown, Iowa, where Wendell worked at the Marshalltown Trowel Company and later became co-owner at two different times of two service stations on North Third Avenue and on State Street. The couple were parents to four sons — James Lee, of Marshalltown, Edson Paul (Alba) and Jon Bruce, of Tucson, Arizona, and Richard Charles, of Marshalltown, all still living, as well as a grandson, Daniel Lee Egger, of Medellin, Colombia, and Tucson, AZ, and various nieces and nephews.
Wendell preceded Jeanne in death on Dec. 28, 1999, at age 76 after suffering many years from osteoarthritis and stroke. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her two sisters, Reva and Charlotte; and a nephew, Lee Lewis Brenneman.
Jeanne was employed several years in various nursing homes before working 10 years on the psych unit at the Iowa Veterans Home, where she retired in 1986. While the couple lived most of their lives in various homes in Marshalltown, they lived in Southern California for a while shortly after they were married, both working at Rohr Aircraft in Chula Vista. Prior to Wendell’s death, the couple spent winter months in their mobile homes in Tucson, Arizona, where they joined many Iowa friends who also were Tucson snow birds.
Jeanne was a devoted member of the Marshalltown Church of the Nazarene for many years and was actively involved in the church’s cradle roll and home visitation programs. She had many friends in the Marshalltown area and was active in the Senior Center activities, Lunch Bunch, and volunteer work. She especially enjoyed her pet Chihuahuas and shopping at weekend garage sales in Marshalltown! She has enjoyed writing poetry much of her adult life; several of her poems have been printed in the local newspaper. The Lord was a mighty fortress for her. As a hobby in her later years, she clipped news items and mailed them regularly to her friends and family.
Jeanne was a loving mother and a sincere friend to many. She never spoke an unkind word to or about anyone. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who know her. She loved God all her life and she is now resting in His eternal embrace.
According to Jeanne’s wishes, there will be no memorial services and cremations will be in charge of the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Burial of her remains will be carried out privately by family at a later date. Any memorials may be directed to the Marshalltown Church of the Nazarene.
For Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go … I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears; be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love. You can only guess how much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love each of you has shown, but now it’s time I traveled on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must. Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories that lie within your heart. I won’t be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear all of my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone … I’ll greet you with a smile and “Welcome Home.”