Jean Johnson, 99, of Grinnell, died on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Interment will be at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell. A luncheon will follow in the Heritage Room at the Smith Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends at the visitation held prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 9:30 am.

Memorials may be designated to Tiger Packs or to Disabled American Veterans and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Jean's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Eleanor Jean (McCaw) Johnson was born on December 13, 1924 on her parent's farm near Deep River, Iowa. She was the second child of Lester and Helen (McCay) McCaw. She attended the local schools and was a graduate of Searsboro High School. During her high school years, she served as the captain of the basketball team and Vice-President of her class.

On December 24, 1943, Jean married William Theodore Johnson at the Baptist Church Parish in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where Theo was stationed in the army. Following the war, they made their home in Grinnell, Iowa. To this union were born four children: Theolyn, Greg, Shelly, and Mike.

Jean worked at the Three Elms restaurant upon moving to Grinnell and was later employed by Grinnell College Food Service until her retirement in 1987.

Jean was a sports enthusiast and supported Grinnell High School sporting events and loved watching the Hawkeyes. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, dancing, politics and travel. She visited many areas of the United States with relatives and friends and made a few trips to Canada, Ireland, and Scotland with her daughter Shelly.

The focal point of her life had been her husband and family. She had especially enjoyed her grandchildren: William Theodore "Ted" (Jessica) Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, Casey (Shelby) Johnson, Christy (Clay) Schneckloth, Nathan (Jill) Van Donselaar, Janelle (Chad) Pirkl, and eleven great grandchildren.

Jean is survived by her children, Greg (Janet Carl) Johnson of Grinnell, Shelly Johnson of Moline, Illinois, and Mike (Deb) Johnson of Grinnell; adored brother, Harold "Bud" McCaw of Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Theolyn; and one sister.