Jean Elizabeth Biederman

Jean Elizabeth Mathre Biederman, beloved grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully at Newton Village in Newton, Iowa, September 15, 2026, at the age of 98. Jean was born February 13, 1928, at Mason City Mercy Hospital to Severt and Mary (Smith) Mathre. She had four siblings, Florence, Richard, Roger and Mary Ann.

She grew up on the family farm south of Mason City. Jean enjoyed the neighborhood Pleasant Ridge Club parties. She attended Mason City Country School and graduated from Mason City High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education from Iowa State College in1950. Her first job was teaching in the Olin Consolidated Schools. She changed jobs to the County Extension Service Home Economics in Clinton County. She found an Extension position closer to home in Mitchell County.

A friend introduced her to a farmer, Robert Biederman. They hit it off and were married August 5, 1954. They started their farm home in Rock Township and had three children, Jane 1955, Philip 1957 and David 1958. She was a true farm wife, managing the home, kids, gardening, sewing, poultry and making a dessert very day. She supported Jane in 4H and her boys in 4H & FFA. Jean enjoyed attending the Methodist Women group, Mitchell County Democrats, Sunshine Circle and Shakespearean Club. She and Bob usually took a family vacation each year, visiting National Parks or visiting Bob’s sister Marian in Connecticut. In 2003 Jean took a memory making vacation with Jane’s family to Hawaii, a cultural shock for an Iowa farm wife. Jean enjoyed bird watching with Jane at the Des Moines YMCA Family Camp near Boone for several summers.

Jean is survived by a brother Roger (Pat) Mathre of Mason City; son-in-law, Ken Odland of Newton; daughter-in-law, Marjean Biederman; her grandchildren, Nathan Odland of Shakopee, MN, Andrew (Dean Cliff) Biederman of Johnston, Tim (Emily) Biederman of Grundy Center, Kendra (Justin) Sorenson of Sheboygan, WI, Thomas (Jessa) Biederman of Zumbrota, MN, Michael (Hope) Odland of Casselberry, FL, Matthew (Hannah) Biederman of Ankeny, and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Biederman; her daughter, Jane Odland; her sons, Phil and Dave Biederman; her sisters, Florence Ferden and Mary Ann Watson; her brother Richard Mathre.

A celebration of life for Jean will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Osage on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family will be at the church to greet guests from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell, IA. There will be lunch at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations may be made in Jean's memory to the Osage United Methodist Church, the Des Moines YMCA Camp scholarship fund, Mitchell County Concert Association and Mitchell County Food Bank.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.