Mary Jean Hammer Veenschoten

Mary Jean Hammer Veenschoten, 93 years of age, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed peacefully in her sleep April 7, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on July 21, 1930 in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Bessie Seaman Hammer. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Dean Keith Veenschoten. Surviving are her brother Robert Hammer (Tandi) and children Sheryl Marx (Peter), Dee Anne Stiles (Grant), John Veenschoten (Dawn). Also surviving are grandchildren, Ryan Merriman (Micheli), John Altschul (Tiffany), Annie Altschul-Cheney (Phil), Michael Veenschoten, Mason Veenschoten, Karson Veenschoten, Stephanie Fever (Thad), Kristin Coulson (Josh), and great-grandchildren, Will Fever, Karlie Fever, Hunter Coulson, Addie Coulson, Dominic Merriman, Daniella Merriman, and Annistyn Altschul.

At around age 12, as the country was coming out of the Great Depression, Mary Jean proved up to the task of helping meet her family’s financial needs by working as a “soda jerk” at her uncle Ed’s drug store, thereby making her one of the first, and few, female soda jerks. She met her future-husband-to-be, Dean Veenschoten, at a local church youth group prior to his serving in the Marines for two years. During this time, she worked as an administrative assistant for Bankers Life, now Principal Insurance. Following their marriage and the birth of three children, Mary Jean and Dean created a successful real estate company, Home Realty. This provided the family with years of growth and prosperity. In the 1980’s, Mary Jean, by then in her 50’s, started a second career as an independent real estate appraiser and was known for her honesty and attention to detail. Her and Dean’s partnership continued as they bought land, built homes, and created a neighborhood where they lived for more than 25 years. After her retirement, Mary Jean earned her Master Gardener certification, using these skills to enhance the grounds of their church, Meredith Drive Reform Church. Her time was also dedicated to mentoring children in reading at Moulton Elementary School, and writing poetry.

Mary Jean’s greatest love and passion was caring for her children and grandchildren. One of her favorite sayings was "The most important things are faith, family and friends." She will be remembered most for her calm strength, kindness, and sweet caring love as we move forward to honor her by living our lives to the fullest. An exert from one of her poems goes as follows: “We’ve shared a wealth of living, loving, laughing, and forgiving. We shall not dwell in days gone by. Nor harbor false dreams with a sigh. We’ll walk together, forever, my dear family and friends…”

To all of those she loved, please join us in celebrating her life at The Bridge, a reformed church, 10025 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, Iowa, on Saturday, May 11, at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Bridge in loving mememory of Mary Jean Hammer Veenschoten.

Condolences may made at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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