Jean Townsend Dremstedt

Jean Dremstedt (nee Gregory) pursued happiness and joy in a life filled with giving and service. She died peacefully at home after a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Jean was the daughter of Samuel and Eleanor Gregory. She graduated from Bosse High School in 1953. She received a BA from Indiana University in 1956 and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Eden Theological Seminary in 2019. She was married to Wilbur Dremstedt who pre-deceased her much too soon. Throughout her life Jean served as a professional volunteer-giving of her knowledge, expertise, and time. She was a major force for good in Evansville, Indiana and beyond, serving people, organizations, and institutions related to the United Church of Christ (UCC) at all levels. She taught Sunday School at Bethlehem UCC; served as President of the Church Council; and chaired the congregation’s Endowment Committee. In the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the UCC she served on the Board and as Annual Meeting chair, each for a term. At the national level of the UCC, Jean served on the Retirement Housing Foundation Board, including chairing its Nominating Committee and receiving in 2014 the Retirement Housing Foundation Chair’s Citation Award. Beginning in 1991, Jean served on the Eden Board of Directors for twelve years, including chairing its Development Committee. In 2005, Eden Seminary honored Jean with the Samuel D Press Award for outstanding service. In Evansville, Jean served on the Board of the Good Samaritan Home for several years and on the Board of Deaconess Hospital for 25 years. Jean is survived by two loving children, Mary Ann (Lillian) and Mark (Doris), two wonderful grandchildren: Abigail and Tate (Sarah) and her valued sister, Joanne Clyburn. Jean was a faithful servant to Jesus Christ and “lived a full and wonderful life with dear friends and family”. A private service will be held. Anyone wishing to donate in Jean’s memory, please consider Deaconess Hospital.