Mary Jean Young

Mary Jean Young (née Roth), age 85, of Dubuque, formerly of Marion, died on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. The memorial service to honor her life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday March 8, 2025 at Oakland Church of the Nazarene in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until time of service.
Jean was born on July 23, 1939, in Wayland, Iowa, to Daniel and Wilma (Alston) Roth. In her youth she was baptized at Sugar Creek Mennonite Church. She graduated from Wayland High School in 1957 she earned her nursing degree from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1960 and began her career in the medical field. Jean was an enthusiastic sports fan, with a special love for cheering on the Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball teams.
Jean's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She proudly served her country in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. Her compassionate spirit and commitment to helping others were a testament to her Christian faith. She moved to Marion, Iowa and was an active member at Oakland Church of the Nazarene where she raised her family. Jean then moved to Wellman, Iowa in 1997 to care for her mother until she passed away in 2003. Jean later retired after dedicating 25 years of service as a nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. During her retirement, Jean devoted several years to deepening her faith through Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and generously volunteered her time in the Compassionate Ministries at the Iowa City Church of the Nazarene.
Jean was a devoted mother to her three children, Mari (John) Rezac of Cedar Rapids, Burtrann (Michelle) Young of Joliet, IL, and Dieunn (Kevin) Musser of Dubuque. She was also a cherished grandmother to Emily, Kaelyn, Zechariah, Emma, and Mayson and a loving aunt to ten nieces and nephews. She instilled in them the importance of faith, kindness, and service to others.
Jean is survived by her siblings Elizabeth Miller of Wellman, IA Scott (Jo) Roth of McAllen, TX, and Susan (Bryan) Bruegge of Milford, IN, sisters-in-law, Gloria Roth of Pharr, TX and Pat Roth of Owasa, NE. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; a granddaughter, Hanna Musser; and her brothers, William "Bill" and John Roth. The family takes comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her loved ones in Heaven.
Jean's legacy of kindness, faith, and service will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew her. Her family rejoices in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and finds solace in the hope of a joyous reunion with her someday.