Jean Adel Waskowiak

Jean Adel Waskowiak, 91, of Davenport, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center in Davenport, surrounded by her loving family.

A memorial mass to honor Jean’s life will be held on December 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Davenport, with visitation from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the church. A private burial will take place at a later date in Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Ottumwa. The Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to PEO Chapter GW.

Born on June 1, 1934, in Portland, Oregon, to Alva and Garland (Sarny) Shoemate, Jean grew up in Illinois and graduated from LaHarpe High School in 1952. On January 8, 1955, she married the love of her life, Robert Waskowiak, in Burlington, Iowa. They shared a beautiful life together for more than 52 years, building cherished memories, including the 17 years they owned the Dairy Queen in Ottumwa, Iowa. They also spent many years enjoying their retirement in Florida. Following Robert's passing, Jean returned to Iowa to be closer to her family.

Jean was an avid Bridge and Rummikub player, enjoying friendly games with her cherished circle of friends. She deeply valued the friendships she cultivated at Silvercrest at Garner and through her PEO chapter. Above all, family was paramount to Jean. She treasured every moment spent with her loved ones, and her greatest joy came from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she considered the loves of her life.

Those left to honor Jean’s memory include her son, Michael (Diane) Waskowiak of Davenport; her three daughters, Ann (Randy) Gehring of New Port Richey, FL, Lori (Alan) Johnson of Atlantic, and Amy Waskowiak (Brett Loney) of Sylvania, OH; grandchildren Scott (Tiffani) Gehring, Sara (Steve) Guillman, Nick (Kiersten) Johnson, Nathan (Carolyn) Johnson, Zachary Waskowiak (Joci Martinez), Arianna Loney, and Alex Loney; great-grandchildren Spencer Guillman; Grant, Morgan, and Emily Gehring; and Brianne, Brenton, and Adalynn Johnson. She is also survived by her half-brother David Loeffler, and sister-in-law Anna Marie Shoemate.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Waskowiak, her parents Alva and Garland Shoemate, and her siblings, Bill, Dick, and Beverly Shoemate. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and through the memories they shared.