Jeannette 'Jean' Barten

Jeanette Jean Barten, 82, of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, peacefully in the comfort of her home. Funeral services for Jean will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at St. Henrys Catholic Church. Public visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2014, at St. Henrys Catholic Church where her family will be present to greet friends. A 7:00 Vigil service will be held with a rosary to follow. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be directed in Jeans name to her family. For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Jean and her family. Jeannette Alvina Schwieters was born on June 13, 1932, in Greenwald, Minnesota, the daughter of Leo and Carrie (Nathe) Schwieters. Jean was united in marriage to the love of her life Alvin Al Barten on June 2, 1954, at St. Andrews Catholic Church. Her faith and love of family will be her legacy. She devoted her life to serving God, family and friends. She will be remembered for her incredible work ethic; first working tirelessly in the early morning hours with her father, Leo in the barn, then transitioning to a wife and mother of 12. She was blessed with many talents; bread making, quilting for all of her children and grand-children. She sewed and made many outfits for all of her children for every holiday. She was a quiet and even-tempered disciplinarian who ran the household with organization and love, while maintaining a joyful spirit in all aspects of her life. Jean never forgot her Minnesota roots and loved everything Minnesota, especially the Vikings and Twins. Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 60 years: Alvin Barten. Alvin and Jean were blessed with 12 children- the late Debra (Scott) Nalvanko, Pamela (John) Wells, Douglas Barten, Mary (Dennis) Stalzer, Kathy (Bernie) Struzyk, Bonnie (Jim) Condon, Thomas (Kathy) Barten, Paula (Mike) Schwartz, Patrick (Sarah) Barten, John (Sara) Barten, Maria (Chris) Hansen and David (Kristina) Barten; 40 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; Sisters: Marcella Uphoff, Charlene (Jack) Ohmann, Joan (Jerry) Ehersmann, Barb (Dave) Jennissen; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; Leo and Carrie Schwieters; daughter: Debra Nalvanko; and two grandsons: Samuel Struzyk and Leo Barten, sisters Loretta Meyer and Delores Wehlage, brothers Herbert Schwieters and Anthony Schwieters.