Jeanne Paustian, right, laughs and smiles as she is embraced by Peace Church Board President Pam Thomas during a worship service held on Sunday, March 30, in recognition of Jeanne’s retirement as the church’s longtime secretary and treasurer. Rev. John Granchie is also pictured in the background at the pulpit. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

GLADBROOK – On Sunday, March 30, Peace Church hosted a worship service and dinner for Jeanne and Darrell Paustian in the wake of Jeanne’s retirement as the congregation’s longtime church secretary/treasurer effective March 31.

Jeanne thoroughly loved working at Peace Church where she and Darrell were both baptized, confirmed, and eventually married on April 12, 1969.

Beginning in January of 2002, Jeanne was employed as the church secretary. She served under five pastors including Rev. Robert Doner, Interim Pastor Paul Knupp, Pastor Joe Hackett, Pastor Tim Ayers, and Rev. John Granchie.

“The last pastor has been quite a handful but a joy to work with!” Jeanne joked.

As secretary, she enjoyed when area students stopped off the bus after school to find the candy bowl in her office. She especially liked helping people in their time of need including those who were mourning. She also loved visiting with past members and Gladbrook alumni who were back for Corn Carnival, while Darrell loved building floats and fixing things.

Peace Church Sunday School children sing a “Happy Retirement” song to Jeanne Paustian on Sunday, March 30, in Gladbrook. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Over the years, Jeanne chaired multiple Corn Carnival food stands and the more recent Kids Shopping Day.

On Sunday, Rev. Granchie conducted the worship service. A charming video was played featuring the Board’s happiness for Jeanne’s departure. Jody Anderson talked about their working relationship when there were funerals at the church. Jeanne said she much appreciated his thoughts.

Rev. Granchie presented a box of ear plugs to Darrell (because, he surmised, 24/7 with Jeanne might be kind of tough!), a book titled “Blessings” to their daughter Nikki (Paustian Clapp), and to Jeanne, a broom as the Rev. knows Jeanne is going to be working hard at Nik’s, it seems!

Pam Thomas, Board President, presented Jeanne with a gift of appreciation for service to the Peace Church family.

The Sunday School kids sang a “Happy Retirement” song. Many of the kids wore Hawkeye shirts. June made Jeanne’s day by playing the very peppy hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.”

Rev. John Granchie (back) presents gifts to Darrell and Jeanne Paustian and their daughter Nicole Clapp on Sunday, March 30, as part of Jeanne’s retirement service and dinner. Jeanne spent more than 23 years working for the congregation. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Rev. Granchie ended the service with a personal prayer to Darrell, Jeanne, and Nicole.

Following the service, the congregation supplied a bountiful dinner served by the Board. A decorated red and white sheet cake with “Happy Retirement Mom” was served as the dessert along with cupcakes.

Both Darrell and Jeanne said they greatly appreciated all who attended the service as well as all the cards, gifts, and kind words. Jeanne was especially touched by Rev. Granchie’s words of encouragement and appreciation during the 15 months they shared the church offices, while Darrell appreciated the many early morning breakfasts with the Rev. It was a Sunday the Paustians will never forget, they said.

While Darrell and Jeanne are moving to Lake Rathbun to live with Nicole, the community of Gladbrook, the Paustians made clear, will always be their true home and they will continue to support “Happy Creek.”

Editor’s Note: In addition to the countless hours Jeanne volunteered in and around the Gladbrook community, she also volunteered untold hours to the Sun Courier newspaper by meticulously documenting – through both words and photographs – Gladbrook events including Corn Carnival, Legion/Auxiliary, Kids Shopping Day, Gladbrook School, the museum, and so much more. Words fail to express how appreciative we are of Jeanne here at the newspaper and how much we will miss her voice in our pages. All the best in retirement, Jeanne!

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO