Jean Minehart

Jean Minehart, 86, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The family will greet friends from 4 - 7 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, located at 520 Wilson Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, located at 610 31st Street SE in Cedar Rapids, with an additional one-hour visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Inurnment will be combined with her husband, Gordon, with full military honors, following the service, at Coggon Cemetery. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.

Jean was born on May 21, 1939, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Milo and Margaret (Hamilton) Dosedel, and raised by Merrill and Frieda (Hasler) Kimm. She was a graduate of Coggon Community High School and went on to attend Kirkwood Community College. On October 25, 1959, Jean was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Gordon Ralph Minehart, in Ryan, Iowa. Sadly, Gordon passed away 12 days before Jean on July 10, 2025. Together, they had two sons.

She worked as a Project Coordinator for Pearson in Cedar Rapids, until her retirement in 2005. Gordon and Jean were members of St. Stephen’s Lutheran church and founding members of Friends of Noelridge Park. Jean was a past president of Toastmasters and was involved in the Monarch Butterfly Project. Following her retirement, Jean earned the designation, Master Gardener. She spent many hours helping others with their gardening projects.

Jean had a cheerful disposition and her smiling face brought joy to everyone around her. Jean's generous and gracious nature made her the epitome of a lady, and her nurturing spirit deeply impacted the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. A lover of Christmastime, Jean cherished the moments spent with family during the holidays. She adored her grandchildren, pouring her love and wisdom into their lives, fostering a sense of adventure and curiosity that was a hallmark of her nurturing personality. Jean was not only stylish and artistic but also a true doer. Her energetic and adventurous outlook led her to embrace life to the fullest. She found joy in gardening and landscaping, transforming spaces into beautiful oases, and eventually earning the Master Gardener Lifetime Achievement Award. Moreover, her love for animals and nature, especially her affinity for kitties, reflected her compassionate heart. Throughout her life, Jean was passionate about learning and teaching, embodying a can-do spirit that inspired those around her. She will be dearly missed, but her light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of family and friends who are grateful for the time they shared with her.

Jean is survived and lovingly remembered by her sons, David Minehart of Cedar Rapids, and Scott (Cindi) Minehart of Marion; three grandchildren, Lewis Minehart, Kyle (Katie) Minehart, and Amanda Minehart (fiancé, Adam Seastrand); two great-grandchildren, Cora and Warren Minehart; and one on the way, Barbara Jean Seastrand, due in December 2025; brother-in-law, Ned (Mary) Minehart of Grinnell, Iowa; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frieda and Merrill Kimm; birthparents, Margaret and Milo Dosedel; and sister, JoAnne Price.

Memorials in Jean’s memory may be directed to Friends of Noelridge, 4900 Council Street NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, and make checks payable to Friends of Noelridge. Your contribution is tax-deductible. A memorial bench is planned in their honor.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bickford of Marion and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care of Jean.