SCHMID, Jean Marilyn

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Sunday, August 17, 2014 Jean Marilyn Schmid, née Beeman, 87, of Prescott, Ariz., died peacefully on July 27, 2014, at Good Samaritan Society nursing facility in the company of family. Born in Conrad, Iowa, to William and Hebedine Beeman on Feb. 1, 1927, she was the second of five children. Jean took pride and enjoyment in assisting her dad with the outdoor chores on the family farm. She attended Iowa State Teacher's College, earning her bachelor's degree in physical education. In 1948, Jean met the love of her life, Jack Schmid, in Austin, Minn., and they were married just weeks later in Owatonna, Minn. Together they raised four children and pursued shared passions for outdoor activities, music, education, family and friendship. Jean's first teaching jobs were in Lansing, Mich.; Evansville, Ind.; and Stambaugh, Mich. In addition to teaching, Jean worked many jobs to help make ends meet during the lean years when her husband was pursuing his education. In 1961, the family moved to Little Rock, Ark., where she taught at Central High School just a few years after its famous desegregation. Jean was known for her extraordinary optimistic energy, fun-loving spirit, strong will, and loyalty. She was a dedicated mentor to her students and no doubt had a powerful influence on their lives. After moving to White Bear Lake, Minn., in 1966, she taught in the St. Paul School System for more than 20 years. Pursuing a career change in the 1970s, Jean earned her Master's Degree in Education, and applied her ample talents as a school counselor. After retiring, she and Jack chose Prescott as the place they would call home starting in 1989. There, they became actively involved in the round dancing community, forged close friendships, traveled abroad and entertained family and friends whenever possible. Jean is preceded in death by her brother Russell; her mother and father; sister Shirley Frederick; and husband, Jack. She is survived by sisters, Jan Schupbach and Betty Habben (Duane); children, Jesse (Candyce), Jane Parr (Doug), Jeanette Bennett (Brad) and John (Linnea); grandchildren, Shantih, Matthew, Will, Sarah, Sonja, Karl, Erin and Jack; and great grandchildren, Nicholas, Alexandria, Matthew, Micah, Melea, Brayden and Holden. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. on Oct. 25, 2014, at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 2654 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Good Samaritan Society of Prescott Valley. Information provided by survivors. HSE - Yavapai Reentry Project -UVSplash