Jean Louden, 102, of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.
Jean was born the fourth of nine children May 26, 1923, in LaHarpe, the daughter of Lewis “Skimmer” and Eva Laybourne Link. She was raised on a farm southeast of LaHarpe and graduated from LaHarpe High School. Following high school, she attended nursing school in Burlington, Iowa, becoming a registered nurse. During her schooling, she completed her residency at the Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. On January 15, 1945 she married Harry Franklin Louden in LaHarpe. Frank was enlisted in the Navy, allowing the couple to honeymoon in San Diego. He preceded her in death on October 20, 1992.
Following her nursing school, she returned to LaHarpe for a 30-year career under Dr. Mueller; all while raising her family and being a beloved farm wife. Following their retirement in 1989, the couple relocated from their farm to LaHarpe.
Jean was a member of the LaHarpe Union Church and local women’s organizations. She was an avid reader and enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs.
Survivors include four children: Jim (Dee) Louden of Middleburg, Florida, Richard (Sandy) Louden of Camp Point, Illinois; one daughter: Janice Louden of Palm Springs, California, Harry (Sherry Carpenter) Louden of LaHarpe; seven grandchildren: Abby (Chris) Johns of Cleveland, Texas, Adrienne (Brandon Bennett) Louden of Burlington, Abe (Lyndsay Fraser) Louden of Sara Toga Springs, Utah, Alyse (JJ Myers) Louden of Burlington, Iowa, Emily Louden of Ft. Madison, Katie Nelson of Overland Park, Kansas, Erin (Josiah) Neff of LaHarpe; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter: Beth Ann Nelson, one step-grandson: Jeff Land, and 8 siblings: Louise Boren, Bob Link, Luella Bowen, Donald “Soup” Link, Dorothy Kern, Wendell Link, Wayne Link and Leah Belle Hicks.
The funeral service for Jean will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2026, at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Rev. Rick Goettsche officiating. Burial will follow at the LaHarpe Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.
A memorial fund has been established to the Southeastern Iowa Regional Hospice House.