Jean Kirchner, 80, West Liberty

Jean M. Kirchner, 80, died suddenly Tuesday, July 20, at her home in West Liberty.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 23, at the United Methodist Church in West Liberty. Visitation was 4-6 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty. Burial was in the Oak Ridge Cemetery in West Liberty. A memorial fund has been established. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com.

Jean was born March 4, 1930, in Iowa City, the daughter of Louis Raymond and Geneva Heintze Billick. She was a graduate of West Liberty High School in 1948, attended Iowa State Teacher College and graduated from Muscatine Community College. She had taught school for many years, teaching at Laurel Hill Country School near Wilton, South Prairie Country School near West Liberty, Nichols, Atalissa and West Liberty, retiring after 24 years.

On Aug. 20, 1950, she was united in marriage to Ralph Kirchner in West Liberty. In addition to her teaching, she and Ralph farmed in the Nichols and West Liberty area for many years. In 1979, they began building Sunnyview Manor, an elderly housing complex in West Liberty and operated it until it was sold in 1997.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, where she was active and had served as superintendent of the Sunday School program. She was also a member of West Liberty Women’s Club and formerly a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She and Ralph enjoyed traveling.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph of West Liberty; one sister, Joyce (Robert) LaKose of Clear Lake; brother-in-law, LaMoyne Kirchner of West Liberty; five nephews, Kurt, Jeff, Joel, Craig and Chad; a niece, Karen and numerous great-nephews and great-nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents.