Jean Caroline Hulslander (nee Muntz) passed into eternal life on June 27, 2019.
Jean was born on September 19, 1927 to E. Millard and Hilda (Keeney) Muntz in Hanover, PA. After graduating high school, Jean attended the School of Medical Science in Boston, MA, obtaining her degree as a Medical Technologist. She went to work at Hammond Hospital in Geneseo, IL , and met Gerald Hulslander; they were married on December 29, 1949. While Gerald obtained his degree at the University of Illinois, Jean worked in the lab at Carle Clinic in Urbana.
She took time off to raise their four children while Jean and Gerald lived in Paw Paw, IL. After they moved to Ottawa, she worked in the laboratory at Ottawa General Hospital.
Jean was very involved with a number of organizations, including Cub Scouts, Campfire Girls, and 4H. Jean and Gerald also became a foster family to Robert, Diane, and Rodger Smeets when the need arose. She taught Sunday School and served on numerous committees at Trinity Lutheran Church and at the synod level. Jean was also one of the founders of the PAD program in Ottawa and volunteered there for many years. She loved sewing in all forms and was a charter member of the Illinois Valley Quilt Guild, and was a volunteer at the Historical Museum in Utica.
In addition to her family, Jean enjoyed travel, sewing and quilting, designing banners for Trinity Lutheran, teaching and helping people. She was famous for her cookie baking and could be counted on to supply a number of varieties whenever the occasion arose.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, three sisters, and one daughter, Ellen White. She is survived by her husband, Gerald, her children David (Betsy), Carol Kennedy (Ray Klein) and Sarah along with eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Jean left a special note thanking her wonderful husband who took care of her, encouraged her with her projects, and showed her much of the world. “I had a good life. I am tired and have pushed these last three months until unable to do more.” We thank God for the joy and life she shared with us and the witness she provided so calmly and quietly.
The family thanks the OSF Hospice team that provided special care for her during her final days, and the caregivers from Home Instead, with special thanks to Barbara Randolph for her loving support of both Jean and Gerald.
Visitation will be at the Mueller Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 2, between 5 and 7 p.m. The funeral will be at Trinity Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, with Rev. Nathan Feig, Pastor, and Rev. David Ufkes officiating. Interment will follow at the Grand View cemetery in Atkinson at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
2
Jul
800 First Avenue
Ottawa, IL 61350
3
Jul
717 Chambers Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
Grandview cemetery
Atkinson, IL 61235
