Jean Shea

Obituary for Jean Marie Shea

Jean Marie Shea, 74, passed peacefully into her heavenly home on October 31, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Jean was born on October 30, 1952, in Hot Springs, South Dakota. In 1954, at the age of two, she was welcomed into the Parker, South Dakota home of Merle and Edna Shea, where she joined her two older brothers. She was formally adopted in 1956. Late in her life, Jean reconnected with her birth family, and they were all very happy to have found one another. She was proud of her Lakota heritage.

Jean gave her life to Jesus and was baptized as a child. She graduated from the University of Sioux of Falls with a Bachelor of Arts degree, earning a double major in journalism and art. She began her career as a reporter and editor of the Lifestyle and Science pages for the Argus Leader in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This experience opened the door to a long and successful career as a copy editor for the Minneapolis Star Tribune in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Upon retiring in 2010, Jean moved to Ankeny, Iowa, where she became very involved at Open Bible Fellowship in Ankeny. Following the merger of the churches, she transferred her membership to Experience Church in Des Moines, Iowa.

Interests:

Jean had many interests and was involved in a wide variety of activities throughout her life. She designed hot air balloons for Dakota Industries, volunteered with animal rescue organizations, participated in archaeological excavations in Wales, and was a faithful prayer warrior with Intercessors for Iowa, associated with Intercessors for America. She also enjoyed participating in a monthly writers' group and used her talents in website design and media ministry at Open Bible Fellowship in Ankeny.

Family:

Jean is survived by her brother, Wallace (Lana) Shea; sister-in-law, Sara Shea; nephew, Todd (Dawn) Shea; nieces, Tabitha (Brian) Elliott and Mindy (Steve) Van Gundy; and many other loving family members, including members of her birth family with whom she had happily reconnected.

Jean was preceded in death by her father, Merle Shea; her mother, Edna Shea; and her brother, Rodney Shea.

Memorial Services:

A memorial service will be held at Experience Church, 2559 East Euclid Ave., Des Moines, Iowa, on November 14 at 1:00 p.m., with visitation from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

A second memorial service will be held in Jean's hometown at First Baptist Church, 550 Eastside Avenue, Parker, South Dakota, on November 21 at 10:30 a.m.

Following the service and luncheon in Parker, Jean will be laid to rest beside her parents at Rosehill Cemetery north of Parker.

Officiating: Rev. Wallace Shea and Tabitha Elliott