Jean E. Huffman

Our mom, Jean E. Huffman, left this world for Heaven in the very early morning hours of Sunday, November 21, 2021, after complications from a sudden illness and chronic health conditions.Jean Ellen Kammerer was born at home in Kendallville, IN on October 18, 1937 to Art and Aneta Kammerer. She, along with her siblings Bob, Don, Jack and Kathy, attended St John's Lutheran School. Jean graduated from Kendallville High School in 1955. After high school, she went to work as a secretary and steno for International Harvester in Fort Wayne.Jean married James E Huffman on December 20, 1959 at St John's Lutheran Church, Kendallvile. Jean and Jim had a remarkable union. They were married for over 55 years until Jim's death in 2015. Jean and Jim welcomed four children: Deborah, Laura, Cynthia and Matthew. For many years, Jean managed a bustling household.Establishing their family first in Fort Wayne, Jim's career with International Harvester/Navistar transferred their young family to Chicago, Springfield Ohio, and back to Chicago. Jim ended his career with Navistar by leading a new Navistar truck manufacturing plant in Monterrey, Mexico. Jean and Jim enjoyed living as ‘ex pats' in Mexico. Jean supported Jim's career throughout their working life. They passed on to their children an appreciation for working hard while also managing to have fun. Jean and Jim enjoyed vacation travels together and with family to England, Austria and Mexico. They retired in Granger in 2002, thinking it was the perfect spot, positioned between their family lake cottage in Rome City, and adult kids in the Chicago suburbs and Madison WI.Jean kept in touch with many friends, some going back to her childhood, throughout her lifetime. She was an active and generous community volunteer. Jean and Jim were incredible hosts and welcomed many friends, colleagues and family members to their home over the years. Jean and Jim were always active in their church congregations. Most of all, Jean valued time with her family. Holidays, summertime at the lake and family birthday celebrations made for memories that we will never forget. Mom always made everything special! She supported her grandchildren through many activities as they grew. We love you for all of these things and more, Mom. You will be missed more than we can say.Jean is survived by her daughter, Deborah Deutsch (Dennis Barnum) and son, Matthew Huffman (Kari). She is also survived by daughter Laura Windahl. Also left to cherish her memory are grandchildren Luke Deutsch (Cassi Nymann), Kendall Bull (Matt), Adam Voss (Diana), Justin Voss (Jackie LaCour), Lily Huffman and Conor Huffman. Jean is further survived by her brother, Bob, and several nieces and nephews.Jean was preceded in death by her daughter, Cynthia and her husband, Jim. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Art and Aneta Kammerer, and brothers Don Kammerer and Jack Kammerer, and sister Kathy Becker, as well Jim's parents, Pat and Ruth Huffman.Visitation will be at McGann Hay Granger Chapel, Granger from 4-7pm on Monday, November 29. Visitation will also be offered at 9am on Tuesday, November 30, with funeral services at 10am, at St Paul's Lutheran Church, Niles MI, officiated by Reverend Joseph Liss. The funeral will be followed by a processional to Zion Lutheran Church, Corunna IN where mom will be buried in the midst of five generations of her family, which gives us great comfort. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Paul's Lutheran Church, 1340 Sycamore St, Niles MI 49120 (wwwstpaulesniles.org). The family would like to thank Pastor Joseph Liss, Dr Scott Eshowski MD and staff at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, for their support.To send private condolences, please visit: http://www.mcgannhay.com/condolences.html