Jean M. Whan

She was born on July 13, 1941, in Davenport, Iowa to the parents, Louise and David Thomas. Throughout her life Jean was known for love and devotion to her family and friends, her strength, strong work ethic and “spiciness”.

She graduated from Davenport High School in 1959 and went on to marry the love of her life she met on a blind date, William “Bill” Whan on May 27, 1967, at St. Mark’s Church. She raised three daughters and was the best grandma to her three grandchildren: Lilly, Tyler and Kyle.

Jean worked for many years at Davenport Schools as a beloved food service manager. She really enjoyed her co-workers and filling the bellies of all her “kids” at each school she worked. She retired to take care of her aging mother Louise alongside her siblings. Jean was involved in PTA, Girl Scouts and other activities her daughters were involved in. She was a strong supporter of the things her daughters did and instilled a strong work ethic in them. Jean was also loving wife and mother, but don’t be fooled, she was very protective of her immediate and extended family. Jean had a big heart and donated to local animal rescues and had a special love for animals, especially her dog Maxwell “Max”, who surely came running back across that rainbow bridge to greet his momma Wednesday morning.

Jean enjoyed countless musical performances in the MVF Grandstand during Fair week with Bill. She also loved gathering on Kirkwood Boulevard with family to cheer on the Bix Runners, especially her bother Dick. There were so many good memories and not enough paper to write them all down with.

Jean enjoyed entertaining by holding birthday parties for her daughters, hosting Thanksgiving dinners and her favorite - hosting family for Christmas Eve. So, it was very serendipitous that she passed away the morning of Christmas Eve. In the coming years, Christmas Eve will be that much more special for bell rang and Mom, our guardian angel, got her wings just like Clarence.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at MercyOne (Genesis East) hospital. The many doctors, and nurses especially; Brittany, Neema, Bryce, Taylor, AJ, Debbie and Kylee. Special thanks to her doctors, PNR and staff at Family Medical Center (FMC) who advocated and took care of her for many years and in her final days. Our deepest gratitude.

She is survived by her daughters Stefanie (Shane) Smith, Deborah (Mike) Dierkes and Carey Whan. Her grandchildren, Lilly Dierkes, Tyler and Kyle Smith. Her Siblings Linda Ulloa, Richard “Dick” Thomas, and R.M Thomas. Her nieces and nephews: Tammy Kludy, Brian Thomas, D’Dree Leibold, Cora Whiteaker, Cindy Tarrence, David Tarrence, Jolene Zainy, and Jana Kirkpatrick. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill, sister-in-law Gloria Thomas, brother-in-law Peter Ulloa and beloved niece Keeli Thomas.

There will be private family services held at Runge Mortuary & Crematory on Friday, December 26, 2025. Burial will follow in Davenport Memorial Park.

Jean’s spiciness will live on through her daughters and grandchildren. Jean will be deeply missed and forever loved.