Jeanne Marie McGinn Birkenholz

Jeanne Marie McGinn Birkenholz, 64, of Newton, passed away peacefully Nov. 26, 2020, after a seven year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Jeanne was born July 20, 1956, in Ottumwa, the daughter of the late Marilou and Paul McGinn. She went to grade school through high school in Newton and graduated in the Class of 1974. She was involved in music, dance and golf. She then went on to Iowa State University where she graduated in three years receiving her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. Jeanne headed back to Newton for her first teaching job and taught sixth grade for 11 years before returning to Iowa State University and graduating in 1989 with a master’s in elementary guidance counseling. She finished her career with her master’s +35 and retired from Aurora Heights Elementary School in 2011. Jeanne also spent many years working part-time for Hy-Vee. After retiring from teaching she worked in marketing for the Hy-Vee in Newton.

Jeanne was very active in her community, a devout catholic and volunteer at Sacred Heart Church, superfan at her sons’ sporting events, choir concerts, show choir competitions and community theatre. If that wasn’t enough she was a sponsor/coach for the Newton Pacesetters, crafted beautiful gift baskets at Hy-Vee during the holiday season, was active in Dollars for Scholars, Questers and pioneered a program called Kids of Character in the Newton School district.

After living the majority of her life in Newton, Jeanne spent the past three years with her sons and their families in Minnesota. She was able to spend these years watching her granddaughters play in basketball games, softball games, piano recitals and swim meets. She loved movie nights with her granddaughters, going out to dinne, and happy hours with her boys. Living close to her family was such a gift to her and to them.

Jeanne loved serving others and being around people. She had so many friends that gave her much joy, including her girlfriends who were like sisters. She enjoyed baking, cooking, golfing, camping, traveling, decorating for the holidays, crafting, wine with girlfriends and spending time with friends and family. She will be missed by many who loved her and her presence will be forever felt by those who met her.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Marylou and Paul McGinn. She is survived by her two sons, Matthew (Kelly) Birkenholz and their daughters, Kya and Sage of Minnesota and Tony (Erica) and their daughter, Arianna.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Details of the service will be posted on her Facebook Memorial page. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you donate to one of the following organizations in her name: Newton Dollars for Scholars, Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Alzheimer’s Association.