Obituary for Jean Ann Alberta Radloff

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Jean Ann Alberta (Berns) Radloff, 86, who died on April 17, 2026, in Decorah, IA.  

Jean was born on March 4, 1940, in Decorah to Eugene and Regina (Funke) Berns. After graduating from DeSales Catholic High School in 1958, she married Ver Dean Radloff on May 30, 1959. They raised their six children near Gunder, where Jean was cherished for her social nature and her dedication to her family, her multiple clubs such as card clubs, Home Garden, Red Hats, and her local parishes.

As a young mother, Jean was a creative entrepreneur who sold handmade candles and worked as a top associate for Avon. After raising her children, she was employed as a Certified Medication Aide at Scenic Acres in Elkader until her retirement. Her life was consistently guided by her profound Catholic faith and her commitment to serving others. Those close to her will remember her as a natural gourmet cook with a remarkable talent for interior design and a gift for warm hospitality.

Jean is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Ver Dean; her children, Anita (Ron) Blish of Des Moines, IA; Charles Radloff of Rochester, MN; Craig Radloff of Luana, IA; Peggy (Don) Montgomery of Guttenberg, IA; Richard (Christy) Radloff of West Union, IA; and Kathryn (Dennis) Francis of Loveland CO; 12 grandchildren: Mara Blish, Devin Blish, Jessica Daly (Andy Vanderhaeghen), Emily (Tim) Robichaud, Clara Radloff, Kay Lee (Eric) Kazda, Anthony (Mark) Snitker, Elizabeth (Griffen) Kricke, Victoria (Ayoub) Kricke, Ryan (Rachel) Radloff, Logan (Olivia) Radloff, and Kirsten Francis; six great-grandchildren with a seventh  expected in September.

She is also survived by her siblings: Robert (Mary) Berns, Sr.; Sr. Geneva Berns O.S.F.; Lois Berns (Steve Narowetz); Jerry (Ruth) Berns; Bernice Berns (Terry Iverson); Sister-in-law Kathy Berns, along with many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Henry and Mahala Radloff; siblings, Arlene Kehrli and Roger Berns; daughter-in-law Kim Radloff; granddaughter, Amanda Blish; God Child and niece Jessica Berns; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law Harley and Mary Radloff, Sr., Milo and Lillian Jacobia, Milton and Donna Mae Olson; and her grandparents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Postville Food Pantry where she volunteered until she got sick with Uterine Cancer. Or you may donate honoring Jean to https://foundationforwomenscancer.org.