Jean Ann Nathanielsz

Jean Nathanielsz (née Steinhauser) was born in Lamberton, MN in 1936 and was proud of her MN heritage her whole life. During that life which spanned 85 years, Jean had four loves that prevailed: her family, teaching, music, and God.

Married for just over 60 years, Jean was a devoted wife, connected to her husband Ault with a vast, deep love. It seems that parting with him at death was the hardest thing she ever did. They had two children and she often said that pregnancy was the happiest time of her life and raising her children her biggest delight. And throughout their extensive travels, her parents and brothers were always close in mind and heart. When her grandchildren arrived, she couldn’t have been happier than when she was with them.

The bounds of Jean’s heart extended well beyond family to include every single child she ever taught. Her career as a K – 2nd grade teacher spanned four decades during which she nurtured, guided, engaged, and loved her students with an unflagging enthusiasm.

Outside and beyond her work life and family, Jean turned that same appreciation to music. She sang in choirs big and small throughout her adulthood, relishing the complexity of this choral
music.

Infused throughout Jean’s life was her abiding connection with the Divine; she sought and she found over and over again.

Though dementia took parts of Jean away over a period of 6 years, it only made her love and appreciation for others shine ever brighter.

Jean is preceded in death by her father, Armin Steinhauser, her mother Grace (Anderson) Steinhauser, and her brother Robert Steinhauser. She is survived by her beloved husband Ault Nathanielsz, her brother Dave (and Beverly) Steinhauser, her son Ault Nathanielsz (and Brenda Killen), her daughter Julie Nathanielsz (and Eric Serritella) and her four grandchildren: Serafina, Nathalie, Angelica and Frances.

Donations to Heifer International would gladden Jean's heart.