November 15, 1958 – September 5, 2025
Jean A. Starr, 66, of Mason City, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, September 5, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.
Services will be held in the near future.
Jean Ann was born November 15, 1958, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the daughter of Warren E. “Gene” and Charlotte M. (Olinger) Burnett. Her family soon moved to Mason City, where she grew up and graduated from Mason City High School with the Class of 1977.
In Mason City, she met the love of her life, James D. “Jim” Starr. The two were married on July 15, 1983, and built a life together filled with laughter, adventure, and deep devotion. They were blessed with two children, Sara and Jake, who remained her greatest joy.
Jean worked at Yelland & Hanes before opening her own in-home daycare. It was the perfect fit, allowing her to be present in her children’s lives while also caring for countless other kids who quickly became part of her extended family. Her days were often filled with laughs, scraped knees, and homemade treats fresh from the oven.
Outside of work, Jean found joy in simple pleasures. She loved tending her flowers and garden, looked forward to family trips to the Starr family cabin, and was happiest with a fishing pole in hand. At home, she never missed a game show, shouting out answers faster than the contestants, and during football season, she cheered faithfully (and sometimes loudly) for the Minnesota Vikings.
Jean was a talented cook and an even better baker. She poured her heart into family gatherings, especially Christmas, her favorite time of year. Every corner of her home sparkled with decorations, and the table was always filled with food and sweets. She had a special weakness for dessert and never turned down a chance to share something sweet.
Though gentle and unassuming, Jean had a quick wit and a spark all her own. She carried herself with warmth and humor, and while she may have been small, she lived with a heart and a spirit twice her size.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Jim; two children, Sara Gonzalez and Jake (Abbie) Starr; three grandchildren, Caleb Malek, Chloe Malek and Cruz Gonzalez; a great-grandchild, Khanaiyah Malek; brothers, Charles and John Burnett; as well as many extended family members and cherished friends.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Gene and Charlotte Burnett.
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