Jean E. (Stutelberg) Totemeier, 95, of Springdale, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024. She was born on July 19, 1929 in Willmar, MN. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1950 with a degree in Registered Nursing and married her husband of 54 years, Carl A. Totemeier, Jr, later that year.
During their marriage, multiple moves for career opportunities allowed the family to experience and explore various states from coast to coast. Jean’s nursing career accompanied her during their many moves and was focused mainly in geriatric care. The same traits that made her a great nurse followed her closely throughout her life as she was thoughtful and caring in every endeavor. She was a longtime and active member of First Presbyterian Church in Springdale, AR and a 60+ year member of P.E.O., a women’s philanthropic and educational organization. Jean loved classical music, gardening, and travel. She also loved writing poetry, many times gifting a friend or relative a personalized poem for a special occasion.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother. Survived by her children, Nancy Koch (William) of Pittsburgh, PA; Linda LoGallo (Michael) of Conklin, NY; Marcia Knowles of Franklin, MA; and Karen Lauer (Michael, deceased) of Des Moines, IA; 9 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church of Springdale, 100 S Gutensohn Rd. A reception will follow immediately at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 N Crossover Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72764 or Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Rd, Springdale, AR 72762.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Aunt Jean’s Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so happy I got to know your mom and grandma in her last few years here on earth.
I will always remember your dad’s graduation day at Iowa State. Your mom was so privileged to have Grandma and Grandpa Totemeier, my mom , and me as house guests to attend the graduation. (my first) They lived in married student housing, barely meant for 2 people. It was one of my first memories of Aunt Jean!
Aunt Jean, I love you!
Your niece
Marcia and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We know there are no words that can comfort you. You are in our thoughts and our hearts are with you during this difficult time.
At lunch time we so enjoyed hearing stories about Jean, especially her attempted escape to get a soda.
Our prayers are with you all.
Love,
Noor, Erin, Diane, Grace, Mai, and Mary Elizabeth (Marcia’s Lunch Bunch in MA)
Jean was a delightful woman who I knew through the Harmony Club, a long-time group of Tontitown neighbors who gathered for lunch, every month or so, at each other’s homes to share news and support one another. Jean always read funny stories to entertain us. I’ll miss her.