Ann L (Osborn) Bovenkamp

Ann Louise Bovenkamp, 81, of Newton died on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Pella Comfort House.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 12, at the First United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church and again after the service with a lunch at the church. Memorials to Peck Childcare or the First United Methodist Church can be left at the church the day of the service or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Ann, the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Nelist) Osborn, was born on August 11, 1944, in Vinton, Iowa.  As a child her family moved to Newton. Ann graduated from Newton High School in the class of 1962 and then received an Education Degree from Central College.  On July 31, 1966, Ann was united in marriage with Larry Bovenkamp in Newton. Teaching and molding the minds of children was Ann’s passion. She began as a 3rd Grade Teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Newton for three years, and then later worked at Peck Childcare, before owning and running Young Ideas Preschool out of her home from 1985-1999. Ann was incredibly creative and designed much of the curriculum for the preschool herself. She also liked to include her own children in the planning of lessons and collecting of supplies for upcoming projects the students would complete.  After closing Young Ideas, Ann continued her teaching journey, working for 10 more years at Kindercare in Newton. Ann had an everlasting impact on 100’s of children that she taught through the years.

Ann was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Chat A Bit Club.  She enjoyed traveling, taking many trips to Hawaii, crafting, and collecting owls.

Ann is survived by her husband, Larry Bovenkamp; children, Michelle Johnson of Des Moines and David Bovenkamp (Anthony Vsetula) of Denver, Colorado; her daughter-in-law, Michelle Bovenkamp of Muscatine; grandchildren, Abigail Bovenkamp, Lauren Johnson, Nathan Bovenkamp, and Nicole Bovenkamp; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Jon Bovenkamp; son-in-law, Steven Johnson; and a sister, Aileen Bedell.

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