Jean was born November 5, 1929, to Edward and Ada (Adam) Shafer on the family farm in rural Postville. She attended country school through the eighth grade and later in life earned her G.E.D.
On September 9, 1949, Jean was united in marriage to Leo Benjamin Flage at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. Together, Jean and Leo built a life centered around family, farming, and faith. They were blessed with two daughters, Pamela and Karla, and celebrated 60 years of marriage before Leo’s passing in 2009.
The Flage Century Farm was truly Jean’s home. She lived there for 93 years of her life, watching the farm change through the generations while remaining deeply connected to the land and the life she and Leo built there. They raised corn, hay, and oats and, in their early years, milked registered Guernsey cows. What became their pride and joy began with just one Guernsey cow and grew into a registered herd. Jean worked alongside Leo in the daily routine of the dairy, including carrying milk to the cooler after milking each cow.
Jean also raised chickens and at one time had over 300 laying hens. She tended to a large garden, growing much of the food that would eventually find its way to the family table. Each season brought the work of harvesting, canning, and preserving the garden’s bounty so it could be enjoyed throughout the year. The farm was not just where Jean lived and worked; it was the place where she raised her family, welcomed generations of loved ones, and made a lifetime of memories.
Jean enjoyed working with her hands and had many talents. She loved to sew, make quilts and crochet, and was especially at home in the kitchen. Her favorite thing was to bake bread, but she was also known for her wonderful cookies and bars. Jean made meals from scratch, and there was almost always something homemade waiting in her kitchen. Anyone who stopped by for a visit could count on being offered a baked good before they left.
Jean also loved giving homemade gifts. Over the years she made stuffed animals for her grandchildren and prepared icebox cookie dough to share with the whole family. These gifts reflected the care and thought she put into the people she loved. Jean regularly wrote letters and sent cards to family members for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions, making sure the people she loved knew she was thinking of them.
Jean was active in Bethlehem Presbyterian Church and gave her time to the young people of the community as a 4-H leader for the Cherry Valley Chums 4-H Club.
Jean and Leo also knew how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. One of their favorite traditions was taking Sunday drives together through the countryside. Jean had a special love for ice cream and was rarely one to turn down the chance to enjoy some.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Karla Flage (Jeff Polfer), Postville, Iowa; grandchildren, Brian (Brenda) Brink of Woodward, Iowa, Kristal Wenger of Watkins, Iowa, Kelly (Brian) Witmer of Parker, Colorado, Sarah (Matt) Anderson of Austin, Minnesota, Erin Smidt (Kevin Neveanx) of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Abby (Aaron) Cummins of Minneapolis, Minnesota; eleven great grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Leo Flage on October 23, 2009; her parents, Edward and Ada Shafer and her daughter, Pamela Smidt.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am with a visitation from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, rural Postville, Iowa with Rev. Gary Catterson as the officiant.
Interment will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery, rural Postville, Iowa.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is assisting the family with services.