Margaret “Jean” Badker Porro

Margaret “Jean” Badker Porro passed away peacefully with family at her side. She was born August 1, 1933, in Mason City, Iowa, to William “Kenneth” and Lena Marie Thomas Badker. She graduated from Thornton High School and married Pete J. Porro, Jr. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Mason City. To this union, three children were born, who were all baptized and educated through the church. Pete and Jean also renewed their wedding vows during a church service years later.

Jean’s career included Plumb Supply in Mason City and Viking Pump Houdaille Industries in Cedar Falls, where she later retired after 26 years of employment.

Pete and Jean enjoyed being residents of Mason City, Iowa City, Cedar Falls, Waterloo and then Reinbeck where they lived next to their daughter, Dawn for over 30 years. At the time of Pete’s passing, they had been married 67 years and Jean then resided with daughter, Kelly (Ken), in Hanlontown. After she suffered a broken hip, she was relocated to Lake Mills Care Center. It was this “home” in which she was able to make so many friendships with the administrators, caregivers and even the bus drivers. They all loved Jean and her children were very grateful for the care she received.

One of Jean’s loves was being in her kitchen. To say she was a gourmet chef was an understatement and Mike follows her footsteps with a lot of talent in the kitchen. She loved the outdoors and nature, was an avid birdwatcher and was happy when putting her line in the trout stream or being in Ken and Kelly’s boat. She was a great card and cribbage player and passed that love onto her family. She always enjoyed a good cold Budweiser. Up until the very end of her life, she showed true joy in visiting with her grand and great-grandchildren. They renewed her spirit.

Jean was honored at her 90th birthday in August where family and friends were able to celebrate her life.

Preceding Jean in death was her husband, Pete (exactly three years earlier to the date), her parents, brothers Richard Badker, Jay Badker and sister, Karen Badker Keller.

Left to celebrate her with many happy memories are her son, Mike (Jean), of Forest City, daughters Dawn Larsen, of Cedar Falls, and Kelly (Ken) Mark, of Hanlontown, brother Thomas (Mickey) Badker, nephew Troy (Denise) Badker, nieces: Julie (Greg) Gorvin, Darla Madsen and Michele (Jim) Leqve, grandchildren: Derrick (Amy) Hatchell, Josh (Tristin) Porro, Ash (Angie) Larsen, Audra (Adam) Heineman, Alec (Elle) Larsen, Amanda Porro, Derrick and Tyler Lowman, and great-grandchildren: Kailey, Kooper and Kylie Larsen, Reese Hatchell, Caden Porro, Graham and Emma Porro, Brooklyn, Lauren and Marcus Heineman and Max and Jett Larsen. Jean would have wanted to include her grandpups, Maggie, Missy and Macchi.

Jean’s remains were entrusted to Iowa Cremation and a family service will take place at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Mason City during a columbarium service.

Cheers to you, Grandma Jean-Jean (Mom) for a life well lived!