Jean Kathleen Zeasman
February 6, 1923 - December 26, 2013
Obituary
Jean Kathleen Niebuhr Zeasman
Jean Zeasman, affectionately known for her willingness to yodel upon request, died peacefully on December 26 at the age of 90. Born to parents Elmore and Irma Niebuhr on February 6, 1923, in Madison, Wisconsin, Jean experienced life on a farm as a child and had many happy memories as the eldest of three children. Early experiences taught her the value of hard work and the joy of play. She loved to sing and dance as a young child and was encouraged to perform for small groups at an early age, something that shaped her sense of humor and ease in working with people throughout the remainder of her life.
While attending West High in Madison, Jean met a young man named Ira Zeasman in the Senior Band where they both played saxophone. Sitting next to each other, they often shared a music stand, and from that point their interest in music and each other grew. Jean’s performance background helped to propel her to the position of first female drum majorette in Madison where she led the band down parade routes. A job during high school at a florist shop led to a later passion for gardening.
Jean and Ira were married on June 29, 1942, and left immediately for Seattle where Ira was employed with The Boeing Company. In 1949 they designed and built their dream home on an expansive lot overlooking Puget Sound. Again, hard work came into play as they cleared their land, cemented every brick, pounded every nail, and planted every tree and bush to create a home for their four children, Kathleen Hale (Edward), Steven Zeasman (DeVonne), Barbara Clingan (Wes), and Lori Zeasman.
Family activities included camping, boating to Desolation Sound, car trips to Wisconsin, hot dog roasts in the backyard, singing and dancing in the living room, and daily trips to the beach in the summer. Jean was involved in all of the children’s activities from school carnivals to scouts, sports and dancing lessons; and she found time for volunteer activities in the community and was a member of Shorewood on the Sound Garden Club and past-president of Queen City Yacht Club Tarettes.
Retirement provided the opportunity to travel; and due to Jean’s arts and crafts background, she taught craft classes, assisted by Ira, on cruise ships around the world.
Grandma Jean’s loving spirit will be missed by her grandchildren Megan Raber, Kelly Barr Clingan, Steven Hale, Casey Clingan, Hilary Marsee, Michelle Zeasman.
Jean…wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who is loved by her family and husband of 71 years has found peace in her garden once again. A memorial service will be held at Judson Park at a later date.
My sympathies to all of you. Wish I could be thete to give you all a big hug. The obituary was very nice snd I enjoyef reading it. Your mom always held a special place in my heart. Wow 71 years of marriage. What a fine example to all who love them!
Loving thoughts,
Donna
First met Jean over fifty years ago. Attended many parties and weddings in the early years. She was truly a kind, gracious beautiful lady. Never heard her say an unkind word about anyone nor heard an unkind word about her. A life well-lived. I know she will be very much missed. My condolences to the Zeasman family.
The yodeling reflection was perfect. Will always remember Aunt Jean as an extremely classy lady, whom at the same time could be the silly life of the party. Thoughts are with the family, and rest in peace Aunt Jean.
Jean was always fun to be around with. Her charm and happiness was very infectious. She will be missed.
She will be missed.
We were so lucky to move in next door to Jean and Ira. Their love, devotion and adventures are an inspiration. Her homemaking and gardening skills were legendary and gave her a lot of joy. Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos. We will miss her but cherish wonderful memories. Sincere condolences to Ira and the family.
My mother and father Russ and Mary Albers knew your parents very well. I am sending my sincere condolences and may you all find peace in the days to follow. What a fullfilling life Jean lived. RIP Jean
Barb Wipperfurth (Albers) I have a sister Marcia and two brothers Bill and Tim who u may know.
My Mother, Freida and Jean’s Mother, Irma were sisters. I have many memories of Jean as we were growing up. Both my husband Ron and I saw Jean and Ira on their trips back to Wisconsin, when our schedules worked out to do so. We would like to express our symphathy to the family,
I was so sorry to read about Jean’s death in the Seattle Times My husband, Dick, and Ira worked together at Boeing and we saw Ira & Jean many times at social functions. We always enjoyed Jean-a fun loving, and very nice, person. I am sorry that I missed the memorial service as the time was not given in the Seattle Times notice and I did not pull up the Bonney Watson information until Sunday evening. But I do want to express my sincere sympathy to Ira and his family.
We saw you too infrequently, but you were always fun, especially during the tornado warning we spent in Grandma Zeasman’s basement. You were such a gracious hostess when my family was traveling through Seattle, and I treasure the memory of that special day. Thank you for your example of a joyful and loving marriage. Rest in peace, Aunt Jean.
So sorry for your loss; God’s happier though because now there’s an expert to take care of the roses! Condolences to Uncle Ira & my cousins.
It was always fun when your family came back “home” for a visit. I remember anxiously awaiting your arrival, passing time on Grandma’s front porch. I remember 4th of July fireworks at Vilas, sunburns from swimming at the beach, sleeping in the attic & listening to the breezes whisper through the branches of the huge white pine tree. I’d forgotten the tornado warning & lots of us crowding into the basement at Grandma’s. I’d also forgotten picnics in Grandma’s back yard with Grandpa cooking on the fireplace he’d made.
I worked for Ira at the Wind Tunnel in 1953 to 60. I had the pleasure of taking Ira, Jean and their young daughter sailing on Lake
Washington . I was so pleased to meet Jean and a very well mannered daughter. Ira you have my condolences, you know you are a very lucky man. God bless you!.
My Dad, Russ Albers, and Jean were 1st cousins. Ira, I do
remember your visiting Russ and Mary Albers at our home
on Fair Oaks Avenue on the east side of Madison, WI. Those
were “fun times” to be remembered always. I know that you
have many many memories and a wonderful family that will
help you over the rough spots. My sympathy to you all.
Sincerely, Marcia