Jeanne Bridenstine, 95, passed from this life on Tuesday afternoon, June 18, 2019, in Newton. A time of remembrance and celebration of life services will be held at a later date. The Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trees Forever, in care of the First Presbyterian Church, 220 North 2nd Avenue East, Newton, IA 50208.
Dorothy Jeanne Watson Bridenstine was born Nov. 24, 1923, at St. Luke's Hospital in Davenport, the daughter of Myron and Alice (Kuehl) Watson. She spent her childhood years in various cities throughout the country before returning to Davenport.
She married Eugene Bridenstine on Nov. 10, 1945, in Davenport. Jeanne and Gene moved to Newton in 1950 after Gene's graduation from Iowa State University.
Jeanne stayed at home raising five children until she became active in the Democratic Party in Jasper County. She was one of the earliest members of the Iowa Women's Political Caucus and a 65-year member of the Newton League of Women Voters. In 1972, she was elected chairwoman of the Jasper County Democratic Central Committee and retained that position until 1974 when she was elected to a four-year term to the Jasper County Board of Supervisors. She served two more terms from 1982 to 1990. She was elected chairwoman during her 1982 term. The Jasper County Courthouse underwent a major renovation under her leadership. In 1976, she was elected to the Iowa State Democratic Central Committee and served a four-year term. In January 1978, Jeanne and Gene were invited to the White House with other Democrats from Iowa to meet President Jimmy Carter.
Jeanne was a member of Kiwanis and past president of the Newton Noon Kiwanis. She was also a member of Chapter K TTT, the 20th Century Club, and a supporter of the Jasper County Historical Society. She was active in several bridge clubs and loved opera. But her greatest rewards in life came from her family and politics.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Eugene. She is survived by four daughters: Ann Auten of Allen, TX, Sarah (Paul) McCuen of Newton, Ellen Bridenstine of Des Moines, and Laura (Jason) Crowley of Urbandale; one son, John (Denise) Bridenstine of Ankeny; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family would especially like to thank her caregivers at Newton Village and special friends Laura Engel, Bob Lane, and Linda Klepinger.
