Jean Allen Linn

Jean A. Linn, a life-long Christian, died peacefully at Deerfield Senior Living on February 22, 2025 at the age of 93. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2025 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Internment will take place at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.

Jean was born April 30, 1931 in Audubon County, Iowa, to James and Letha Linn. He married Mary Kathleen Mills on June 3, 1967. He was previously married to JoAnn Exley until her death. After high school, Jean began his long career with Pioneer International Inc. In May of 1952, his work was interrupted by being called to serve in the U.S. Army Korean Conflict. He arrived in Korea on January 12, 1953, and was dispatched to the area of the MLR (Main Line of Resistance) near the 38th parallel. He remained there until July 27, 1953 when the Armistice was signed and witnessed the prisoner exchange.

During his service he attended NCO school and graduated first in his class, was awarded the American Spirit Honor Medal for displaying outstanding qualities of leadership: Honor, Initiative, and Loyalty. He advanced to the rank of Sergeant First Class and graduated from Chemical Biological and Radiological School. He was discharged on February 19, 1954.

Jean commented that his military experience provided him with a foundation of understanding teamwork, confidence building, and mission completion throughout his career.

His work at Pioneer involved various assignments beginning in the Hy-Line Poultry Division. He was transferred to Nacogdoches, Texas, to be President of Indian River which was the Broiler Arm of Pioneer Poultry Division. He was named President of Hy-Line Indian River. He and his family considered Nacogdoches as their second home. After six years, they returned to Des Moines to begin his work at Green Meadows Development, LTD. in Johnston.

He had a keen interest in economic Development in Central Iowa. He was named a Business Person of the Year in 1997, by the Johnston Chamber of Commerce, where he served as president. He was also a member of the Executive Committee of the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Federation and was chairman of the International Committee of this organization. He traveled extensively for his work, visiting many countries worldwide. He was a charter member of the Johnston Economic Development Corporation. He also served on the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees for the Convalescent Home for Children (now ChildServe). He ended his work career as Director of Real Estate Management in 1998.

Following retirement, Jean served as the Executive Director of Johnston Economic Development Corporation in 2004. He was a charter member of the Charter Bank Corporation Board of Directors. He was interested in aviation, holding a pilot’s license for single engine aircraft.

Jean is survived by his wife, Mary Kathleen; daughter, Heather Allyson Hennick; granddaughter, Linna Lea Hennick; and sister-in-law, Arlene Linn. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Letha Linn; sister, Margie Dawson and husband, John; brothers, Eldon and Jamie.

Memorial contributions may be sent to ChildServe at 5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131 or
Faith Lutheran Church Memorial Fund at 10395 University Avenue, Clive IA 50325.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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