Jean Englerth passed peacefully to her heavenly home May 9, 2022, at 98 years old.

Born on August 9, 1923, Emma Jean Kinzler was the firstborn to Otto Edward and Beatrice (Garrett) Kinzler in Norma, North Dakota. She was born to teach. At a young age she began reading to her younger brothers and sister. As she grew older, her father had her leading Sunday School in his church. In her later years, she spent her summers traveling to churches and teaching Bible School.

Earning a degree in Early Education, she taught K-8 in North Dakota, in various one-room school houses that featured $100/month, a wood stove, but no electricity, bathroom, cafeteria, phone or janitor. Her classes received top honors in the district for many years. Jean earned her B.A. in Religious Education at Asbury College in Kentucky, the State where her mother was born. She also was ordained in the Methodist Church.

Jean married Phillip (Gorden) Englerth June 2, 1950 in Cogswell, ND, and they moved to Hastings shortly after for employment opportunities. While her teaching career spanned 35 years, Jean was a dedicated 2nd grade teacher for 23 years, most of them at Northeastern Elementary School. In addition, Jean spent decades serving Hope United Methodist Church as Sunday School teacher, and leading Vacation Bible School.

After retirement in 1983, Jean volunteered for Pennock Hospital, Love, Inc., and the Social Service Department of Hastings in the “Children’s Corner.” Jean and Gorden enjoyed camping and travel, including vacations to Hawaii and a tour of Europe. She and Gorden were Florida snowbirds, and while in Florida, she went to clowning school, and performed for many events.

Jean was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Gorden Englerth, her parents, and four siblings: Edward (Bea) Kinzler, Francis (Velma) Kinzler, Mable (Neil) Mulock, and Wallace (Betty) Kinzler.

She is remembered with love by her sons Edward (Pamela) Englerth, and Mark (Janet), Ed’s children Phillip, and Addie (Kyle) Lanterman and her great-grandchildren Skylar and Kylie Lanterman, and Mark’s children Erin, Kaitlyn, and Jessica Morgann.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to Barry County Cares, Pennock Hospital, or the charity of one’s choice.

The family will receive visitors on Monday May 16, at Daniels Funeral Home in Hastings Michigan from 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Daniels Funeral Home?Hastings, 1401 N Broadway, Hastings, MI.

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home-Hastings, Hastings, MI. Please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net for more information.