This is a picture of Jeannie and her husband Fred Hulten.

Jeanne Marie Walther Hulten

BORN:  October 13, 1945

DIED:  April 1, 2003

LOCATION:  Des Moines, IA

Jeannie M. Hulten, 57, of Des Moines, passed away from complications due to cancer on April 1, 2003 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston.

Jeannie was born October 13, 1945 in Des Moines, Iowa.  She dedicated her entire adult life to the care of children, as she operated "Baby Bear Daycare" for over 28 years.  She also served as an advisor to the Governor's Council on Childcare.

She is survived by her husband, Fred; three sons, Brian of Des Moines, Adam and his wife Tina of Waukee, and Chance of Des Moines; a daughter, Molly Petersen and her husband Rick of Des Moines; a sister, Janet Walther of Minnetonka, MN; two granddaughters, Macy and Gracie; four nieces; and a nephew.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that contributions be made to Mercy Hospice of Johnston, 5820 Winwood Dr, Johnston, IA 50131.

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The following eulogy was written by Jeannie's oldest son, Brian:

The greatest honor that any of us can hope to achieve in our lifetime is to be truly loved and honorably remembered.  Leaving a legacy of unconditional love and loyalty reinforces the legitimacy of our time here on Earth.  To choose to create life and sacrifice personal needs and desires for the benefit of others, is both difficult and profoundly noble.  It is in this demanding nobility that Jeannie Hulten chose to live her life.  Wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, loyal friend, partner, lover, caregiver and mentor... Jeannie was all of these things.  Jeannie emobied many qualities, but the one thing she never was, was self-absorbed.

During her lifetime, Jeannie was always dedicated to assisting others.  For her entire adult life, she dedicated herself to raising children.  For 37 years, whether it was her children, or the countless children that she cared for over the years, Jeannie was an important role model.  For over 28 years, Jeannie operated "Baby Bear Daycare" out of her home.  At first, providing day care was an important part of her family's income.  Her husband Fred was starting a new business and money was tight.  As Fred's business grew, and the family's financial situation improved, Jeannie continued to care for children.  It was what she loved; it was what she excelled at.  Even when back pain and other medical problems made things difficult, Jeannie continued to shape the lives of others.  She was truly a saint here on Earth.

If you knew Jeannie, you knew her smile, and it wrapped around you like a warm coat.  There must have been times when her husband and her children tested her patience, but they never knew it. No matter how difficult things got, Jeannie faced the world with that beautiful smile and a polished optimism that warmed and comforted all those around her.

With four children constantly involved with activities, there was never a football, basketball, baseball or softball game that she ever missed.  As other kids saw their parents randomly attend games due to their busy schedules, the one constant in the stands was Fred yelling at the officials and Jeannie trying to calm him down.  She was definitely the diplomat in the family.  For Jeannie understood the lessons that her mother taught her long ago.  "You can catch more bees with honey than with vinegar," her mother used to say.  Her mother, Betty, was a proud woman, and she is certainly proud of her daughter today.

In this current fast-paced era where parents seem to be focusing on themselves and their careers, and the motto of the day is "if it feels good, do it," the art of selflessly raising a family is slowly evaporating away.  We may ask ourselves, after all the gifts that Jeannie has given to us, how can we ever repay her?  We can start by remembering the way she lived her life and pass those lessons onto others.  We can also focus on our children.  Take her example and make sure that they are at the center of our universe, for they are the future and need our undivided attention.  It is in these lessons of love, sacrifice and respect that we can truly honor and remember her.  She is surely watching and listening.  Not every one can be a saint here on Earth, but we can all say that we knew one.  Honor and remember her, and she will always be with us.

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These are pictures of Jeannie and Brian when he was just a baby -- and a current picture of Brian, his wife Gretchen, and their two kids, Jack and Gwen:

The following article about Jeannie appeared in the Des Moines Register on May 12, 2001: