Jeanette Hoyt Pettit Ziesman

Des Moines

Jeanette Hoyt Pettit Ziesman, 94, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2017 at Calvin Community in Des Moines. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2017 at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines. A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2017 at Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines with a private inurnment at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Jeanette was born October 29, 1922 in Adams County, Corning, IA to Edward Lamb Hoyt, Jr. and Blanche Winifred Willett Hoyt. She graduated from Corning High School and Drake University where she received both a B.A. and M.A. Degree. She taught school for thirty years and the last twenty-eight at Johnston Community Schools, Johnston, IA.

Jeanette married Ralph O. Pettit in 1947. They had twin sons, Randall O. Pettit and Ronald O. Pettit. Ralph died in January of 1961. She married Robert H. Ziesman on May 25, 1967. Robert died December 4, 2015.

Jeanette was a superb cook, baker, gardener and seamstress. Many laughs were shared around family gatherings. Jeanette was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, Des Moines Women’s Club, Grace Lutheran Church, P.E.O. Chapter KM and Iowa Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary. She volunteered for many years at Iowa Lutheran Hospital and was a member of the ILH Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary #374. She was active in other groups, holding numerous offices of responsibility. She also received the Governors Volunteer Award.

Jeanette is survived by her sons, Randall (Lynn) Pettit and Ronald (Signe) Pettit; her grandchildren, Ryan (Kelly) Pettit, Abbey (Chad) Gilroy, Tyler Pettit, Colby (Jenna) Pettit, Justin (Trina Laufenberg) Pettit, Drew (Brittany Zack) Pettit and Kelsie Pettit; and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Ralph O. Pettit and Robert H. Ziesman; brother, Edward L. Hoyt; and sister, Josephine Freeman.

Memorials may be sent to the IA Lutheran Hospital Scholarship Fund or Grace Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund.