Arlouine “Arlynne” E. Jahns died September 20, 2020 at the age of 102 in West Des Moines, Iowa. The one-time fashion model was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the eldest of six children--- and the last surviving child--- of Maurice R. and Eleanor C. Murchland of Fort Wayne.
Married in 1944 to David V. Jahns, a fellow Hoosier from LaPorte, IN, Arlynne called many places home during the couple’s 60-year marriage, including West Des Moines, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Dayton OH, Detroit and Philadelphia.
Arlynne raised five rambunctious children and kept the kids’ antics in check with what became affectionately known as “The LOOK”. With each move she participated in Newcomers Club as a place to build friendships and enjoy social activities, and served as Scout leader and PTA officer to keep a watchful eye on her growing family.
Arlynne’s interests were many and varied---coffee, dark chocolate, books, magazines, fashion and interior design, shopping, travel, entertaining, bridge, golf (once scoring a hole in one), music, singing, dancing, following the Kentucky Derby and caring for her three German Shepherds. Funny, feisty, and an inveterate storyteller, Arlynne lived life on her own terms, charming and endearing those she met along the way.
Arlynne is survived by her five children, Marsha Jahns of Des Moines, Judi Jahns Aycock (John) of Mt. Juliet TN, David V. Jahns Jr. of Lakeville, MN, Alan Jahns of Gig Harbor ,WA, and Andrea Jahns Suptic (Rick) of Glen Ellyn, IL , four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
The family extends its gratitude to the Bickford Cottage in West Des Moines and Unity Point Hospice. Heartfelt thanks to the many wonderful, dedicated compassionate caregivers who made Arlynne’s final years comfortable, enjoyable, and meaningful.
Her ashes will be interred along with her husband’s in the Resurrection Mausoleum at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
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