Jean Ann Butikofer, 79, of rural Farmersburg, Iowa passed away at her home on July 15, 2026. Jean was born June 6, 1947, in the Postville hospital. She was the daughter of Kenneth and Vernice Foran Breitsprecher. She attended Garnavillo Elementary School through 5th grade when the family moved to a farm near St Olaf. She attended St Olaf Elementary through 8th grade and graduated from Central Community High School in Elkader in 1965. She was united in marriage to Melbert Butikofer at St John Lutheran Church in Farmersburg, Iowa on June 6, 1965. They are the parents of two children, Michael Wayne and Mollie Ann.
The couple moved to Oelwein where Jean worked as a cashier at Montgomery Ward and an elementary school secretary at Central Elementary. She then decided to complete her college degree and commuted for 3 years from Oelwein to UNI in Cedar Falls, Iowa, remaining on the academic dean’s list until she received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1969. After graduation, she accepted a job in the Oelwein Community School District where she served as home-school coordinator and taught reading improvement for several years. She also served as the Oelwein NICC adult education coordinator. In 1985, they left Oelwein and moved to the family farm near St Olaf. She worked briefly for the USDA at the Farm Service Agency in Elkader before returning to teaching in 1988. She then taught elementary mathematics in the Garnavillo School District until retiring in 2005. She had a reputation for making learning fun while still maintaining the respect of her students. Jean was instrumental in the Garnavillo math department receiving a prestigious award for excellence. In addition to her teaching career, Jean helped run the family farm for many years. She was also an excellent cook and her Christmas baking was fantastic.
Jean was baptized at St Peter Lutheran church in Garnavillo and confirmed at St John Lutheran church in Farmersburg in 1961. In 1965 she became a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein, where she taught Sunday school for many years. In 1985 the family joined Norway Lutheran Church, rural St Olaf, where she was active in several areas including council member, treasurer for the women, and Sunday school teacher. Jean’s faith was very important to her, and she was always a strong proponent of the Sunday School program assisting with the remodeling of the church basement into a Sunday school area.
Survivors include her husband Mel, a son Michael (Tamara), of Monona, a daughter Mollie (Bill) Mize of Sioux City, and two sisters, Mary (Gregg) Cameron of Ankeny, Lois (Matthew) Mulbrook of Center Point, and a sister-in-law, Janet Butikofer of rural Elkader. Also surviving are three grandchildren,
Alex (Colenne), Reagan (Gagan) and Maya Butikofer and two great-grandchildren, Carson Mel and Adler Roy Butikofer with another great-grandchild expected in late August
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, brothers- and sisters-in-law Harlan and Zita Backhaus, Norbert Butikofer, and Bill and Marcia Butikofer.
A family service will be held at a later date.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.