Jean Cunconan

Jean Cunconan, 92, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center on Monday, October 14, 2024, with her family by her side.

Jean was one of 9 siblings, including a twin brother, and was born into a German immigrant family in Spirit Lake, Iowa. She attended Woodside High School where she met her future husband, Edward Cunconan. Jean played on her high school girls’ basketball team where she developed a lifelong love and passion for watching the game. Jean & Edward married and had six children together. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary before Edward’s passing in 2001.

Jean was an avid gardener, taking delight in planting an abundance of flowers each spring. She had a range of annuals and perennials in her many garden beds surrounding the house. She loved to read, and when she wasn’t gardening you could find her buried in a mystery book. She also loved animals and had a trusty canine companion throughout her life after her children were grown. She raised armies of neighborhood squirrels and birds from the many feeders around her yard. Jean had numerous interests and hobbies but nothing rose above her devotion to her family. Everyone had frequent flyer miles to Grandma’s house growing up, and her house was where they developed the most memories bonding with each other. She always said yes when someone asked her for help and she treated everyone like family. If she was explaining something to you, she almost always inserted a “you see?” with raised eyebrows into the conversation. She had a wonderful sense of humor and wit about her that made her approachable to everyone she met.

Jean lived through the Great Depression, the Second World War, and encountered many challenges and losses in her life. Despite all the challenges and hardships, she faced, Jean was always a guiding light of optimism and hope for her family. She leaves behind an unforgettable legacy of strong family values, resilience and steadfastness unparalleled by most.

She was preceded in death by daughter Diane Cunconan; daughter Kathy J. Dunsky, Son John E. Cunconan, Husband Edward J. Cunconan, nine sisters and brothers. She is survived by daughter Carol (Jim) O’Leary of Texas, Laurie (Brad) Wilson of Des Moines, daughter Christine Cunconan of Des Moines, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

A private burial will be held for the family with a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date.

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