John "Jack" Jessen

John “Jack” William Jessen was born on July 9, 1937, in Crawford County, Iowa, to Johann and Alice (Simons) Jessen. He attended school in Denison and graduated with the Class of 1956. Following the death of his father during his high school years, Jack began taking on responsibilities at home. During this time, he raised purebred Hampshire pigs and Angus cattle. After graduating, he worked for area farmers and later worked with cattle for the Johnson Family in Odebolt.

On January 19, 1957, Jack was united in marriage to the love of his life, Delores King, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt.

In 1954, Jack joined the National Guard, serving for five years, including service at the state level, until his honorable discharge on February 17, 1959. He later served three years in the Army Reserve until his honorable discharge on January 31, 1962. He held offices in the Crawford County Pork Producers, Isaac Walton League, and Denison Gun Club.

Jack held various jobs before beginning his office management position at IBP. He was later employed as a foreman for Loren Schultz Construction in Denison before starting his own business, Jessen Construction. After closing Jessen Construction, he began working for Crawford County Secondary Roads, where he was employed for 13 years operating the hooper until his retirement when he was in his early 60’s. He then worked for Muff Farms, farming and caring for cattle—something he took great pride in.

Jack and Dee wintered for many years in Florence, Arizona, until they were no longer able to travel. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing cards with friends. He was known as a pot stirrer and loved to joke with the women down the hall at Silveridge Assisted Living in Denison.

Jack was very proud of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and he loved sharing his passions with them.

Jack passed away at Gracewell in Denison on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the age of 88 years, five months, and three days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Dee Jessen; sister, Phyllis Utsinger; and sister in infancy, Betty Jessen.

He is survived by his daughters: Cindy (Steve) Bohm of Arion; Lindy (Kevin) Aschinger of Westside; Tammy (Kevin) Schurke of Dow City; Cathy (Barry) Andersen of Arcadia; and Jackie (Dan) Muff of Dow City; 16 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandsons; brother, Jimmy Jessen; sister, Lois Hart; sister-in-law, Pearl (Ed) Schau; many nieces and nephews; and his “Silveridge family”.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. also at church. Interment with military honors will follow at Crawford Heights Cemetery in Denison. Memorials may be directed to the family for designation to organizations that were most meaningful to Jack. Please wear casual attire, per Jack’s request.