Jean Peterson Mustain

Jean Peterson Mustain, formerly of Laurens, died March 29, 2012 in Kalamazoo, MI after a lengthy illness. Born March 6, 1949 in Laurens to Dale and Ann Peterson, Jean Elizabeth Peterson graduated from Laurens High School in 1967. She served as Associate Worthy Advisor of the Rainbow Girls. In 1971 Jean graduated from Drake University with a social-sciences major and a Bachelors degree in secondary education. On May 22, 1971 she married Steve Mustain at the Laurens Christian Church. Jean and Steve lived in Mitchellville, Ankeny, and Ames before moving to Omaha, NE and then to Kalamazoo. In her career Jean worked as a case worker for the Iowa Department of Human Services and as a secretary at Iowa State University and at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) where she especially valued her years in the Fine Arts Department. When Steves job required a transfer to Kalamazoo Jean chose to devote more time to her grandchildren and to the work of her church. Even when bedridden, during her last year, Jean continued to serve the Kalamazoo Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) attending committee meetings by phone and updating the communion steward- and usherlists by email. She also supported the fight against hunger and projects for women in need. Jean loved to read (particularly history, biography, and autobiography) and followed the progress of her book club even when she could no longer attend meetings. She enjoyed music, played piano and flute, and supported The Gilmore Series, a piano performance program in Kalamazoo. Jean never stopped being a rabid fan of the Drake Bulldogs basketball team and the UNO Mavericks hockey team but she also followed tennis and college basketball. Surviving Jean are her husband, Steve; daughter Stephanie Gulizia (Nick) of Milwaukee, WI; son, Bradley (Brittany) of Kalamazoo; and two granddaughters and one grandson. She was anxiously awaiting the birth of her fourth grandchild in August. Jean is also survived by an older sister, Ruthanne Peterson Peterson of Reinbeck, and an older brother David (Lorraine) of Lake View. She was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial service attended by Iowa family and friends was held May 5 at the Kalamazoo Christian Church.